The groups will also work together to bring forward a change in Council governance before the end of the year. This change would replace the current “Cabinet” one-party-rule system with a cross-party committee system which enables much more thorough scrutiny of major proposals before decisions are taken.

Mal Pakenham leader of the Labour Group on St Albans Council said “Post Covid crisis the Council will need to operate in a different manner not least because the political, economic and social landscape will have changed. Residents and the business community will expect to see cross party working on these four key areas in order to help our communities to regenerate themselves.”

Simon Grover, Green councillor and leader of the Green & Independent group, said: “The new committee system will mean decision-making is more democratic, more transparent and better quality as it brings together skills and knowledge from across the parties. That will be especially valuable as we steer a course through the Covid and climate crises.”

Chris White, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: “While the focus of the council must be recovery from Covid-19 it is also important that other key areas are not overlooked, not least the Climate Emergency given that environmental solutions are likely to be key to some aspects of recovery. I look forward to working with any group which is genuinely committed to serving the district in these areas.”