Liberal Democrat councillors have been sidelined from a council as Green and Labour members agree on a power sharing alliance.

The Greens' 15 councillors and Labour’s nine have formed a coalition and will outnumber the 17 Lib Dems for a majority on Lewes District Council.

Four councillors from each of the two parties will feature in the cabinet of Zoe Nicholson, who was confirmed as the new leader of the Green group at the annual council meeting last night.

“I am very much looking forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all parties,” said Cllr Nicholson.

“Our co-operative alliance will continue the ground-breaking work of the previous administration with energy and commitment to all the people we serve across the district and will have the benefit of a constructive critical friend from Liberal Democrat colleagues.”

The district council’s deputy leader was announced last night as Labour’s Christine Robinson.

READ MORE: Labour rejects initial council plan for co-operative alliance

Cllr Nicholson said: “It’s an honour to serve alongside her and create a new way of working.

“This is the first time two women from two different political parties have led Lewes District Council.”

Four days ago Labour had rejected the proposition of power sharing with the Greens.

It came from a national level in line with Labour’s policies, which ensure any alliance would be a good thing for residents.

A spokesman for the national Labour Party said: “In accordance with Labour Party rules, where local election results leave a local authority with no party in overall control, Labour councillors must seek permission from the National Executive Committee (NEC) prior to entering into power-sharing arrangements with other parties.

“The NEC carefully considers such proposals and will only agree to such arrangements when it feels a stable administration capable of delivering for local residents can be established.”