Labour council leader ousted after four months

The Labour leader of Luton Borough Council has lost a no-confidence vote after being in the role less than four months.

Tahmina Saleem was appointed in May to replace long-serving Hazel Simmons, but has faced a leadership challenge which puts Liberal Democrat Amjid Ali in charge of a coalition-led authority.

Ali said: "I am honoured and humbled to be given this opportunity and fully recognise the significant responsibility that comes with it. Our absolute commitment will be to the people of Luton."

Saleem said: "Tonight's vote is deeply disappointing. I want to thank the councillors and residents who have reached out over the past couple of weeks to show their support for our Labour Group."

Ali, who had been opposition leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2024, has been elected to replace Saleem until the next local elections which are scheduled for May 2027.

He has represented Barnfield Ward since 2019 and has held a number of committee positions including chairman of the council's Overview and Scrutiny Board and the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Committee.

Ali said: "My immediate priority will be to ensure stability and a renewed sense of purpose, with a clear focus on the issues and priorities that matter most to our town."

Ali is expected to confirm who will be in his new cabinet and who has portfolio responsibilities in the coming days. His administration will be made up of councillors from the Liberal Democrat, Independent Alliance and Conservative groups with Labour now the official opposition.

"Residents can be assured the council continues to be here to provide the services they rely on every day and I look forward to working with councillors and council staff to make sure those services are delivered to a high standard and we stay focused on what matters most to the people of Luton," the new leader said.

Simmons had been in charge of the authority since 2007, but stood down in March 2026 with Saleem taking over after the council's AGM on 19 May. However, six Labour councillors quit the party just two months later, leaving the authority under no overall control for the first time in 19 years.

On 3 September, opposition parties joined forces to challenge Saleem's leadership and then a motion to remove her on Monday was carried by 26 votes to 21 with one abstainer.

Saleem said: "Voters across Luton chose a Labour-led council in 2023. The councillors behind tonight's vote were themselves elected as Labour representatives before choosing to leave the party, and have now joined with the Conservatives, Reform and the Liberal Democrats to bring that Labour-led council to an end.

"My Labour group will now hold the new administration to account for the decisions it takes and the impact they have on people across Luton."

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