(When the music stops...) making sense of No Overall Control
Free online learning event – 27th May, 11:00–12:30
With more councils than ever operating under No Overall Control (NOC), understanding how to lead and govern without a clear majority is becoming essential. As the upcoming local elections point to even more uncertainty—including at County Council level—this session offers timely support for both officers and councillors.
Join us for a practical and insightful virtual event exploring how councils manage in NOC situations. From formal agreements to behind-the-scenes negotiations (and the occasional political shenanigans), we’ll unpack what really happens when no single party is in charge.
What to expect
- Insights from a panel of experienced experts
- Real-world examples of what works (and what doesn’t)
- Guidance on decision-making, accountability, and governance under NOC
- Strategies for preparation, negotiation, and adapting to changing dynamics
- Time to share thinking with your peers
The panel
Ian Parry – Chair
Ian is CfGS Director of Governance Services and has experience of working with many councils, including in NOC, across the country. Ian will be facilitating the event.
Caroline Jackson – Leader Lancaster City Council
Cllr Jackson is the Leader of Lancaster City Council, which has been a coalition of several parties in the past and is now a Green and Libdem coalition. Caroline will be sharing her story as one of the most experienced coalition council leaders.
Perry Holmes – Director, Legal & Governance – Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire Council’s election in May resulted in no single party majority. The council will decide how power in the council will be determined at its Annual May Council Meeting. Perry Holmes is the council’s Director of Legal and Governance and will be able to share the council’s experience of this process.
Jess Bailey-Hill – Principal Democratic Services Officer – Bromsgrove & Redditch Councils
Bromsgrove became a NOC council after election in 2023, and is now a Conservative-Independent coalition. As the council’s principal democratic services officer Jess has had a ring-side seat to observe as well as support members through these often challenging times
Anita Searby – Democratic Lead and Statutory Scrutiny Officer – Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council has been a council without a single party majority for some years and following elections in May 2024 is still in NOC. This time Reform UK is the largest party, but there are several permutations of how power could be gained through various possible pacts or coalitions. Anita will be fresh from the scene to share how the council is navigating through this uncertainty.
Whether you’re already in a NOC council or preparing for the possibility, this session will help you navigate the landscape with confidence.
If there’s anything we can do to support your participation – whether that’s access needs, a preferred way to receive information, or something else – just let us know.
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