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Labour Becomes Largest Group On Great Yarmouth Council

Tuesday, 29 September 2026 17:51

Labour is now Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s largest group after Conservative councillor James Bensly switched to Great Yarmouth First there.

Labour has become the largest group on Great Yarmouth Borough Council after Conservative councillor James Bensly switched parties.

Mr Bensly, who represents East Flegg ward, has joined Great Yarmouth First, which is linked with Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain.

The move leaves Labour with 18 councillors and the Conservatives with 17.

Great Yarmouth First now has two councillors, alongside two independents, meaning no party holds the 20 seats needed for an overall majority.

The Conservatives remain in charge of the council as a minority administration.

Mr Bensly has been a prominent figure in local politics for several years and previously served in senior Conservative roles at both borough and county council level.

Explaining his decision, he said he believed fundamental changes were needed in the way the country is governed, while adding that his priorities for the communities he represents remained unchanged.

Great Yarmouth First was established by MP Rupert Lowe and is linked with his national Restore Britain party.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been under no overall control since 2023.

The change means Labour is now the single largest group but does not give it control of the authority.

 

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