New council leader elected
COUN Jonathan Morgan has been appointed as the new leader of Charnwood Borough Council.
The former deputy leader was appointed at a full council meeting on Monday, November 6 following the resignation of Coun David Slater.
Coun Morgan, 49, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to lead Charnwood Borough Council and I am looking forward to working with staff and members to continue making this borough the best it can be.
“I have had the honour of working with David for many years and I would like to thank him for his excellent service as leader. We have come a long way during his time and he leaves with the council in a strong position.”
Coun Morgan, an architect, joined the council in 2011 and is also a Leicestershire county councillor.
He is married to Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan.
Coun Tom Barkley has been appointed as the council’s new deputy leader.
Coun Slater announced he would be stepping down in October.
At the time, he said: “I feel after seven years that the time is right to step down as leader.
“I am incredibly proud of what the council has achieved while I have been leading it and I would like to thank my fellow members, staff and partners for their support.
“Leading the council has been a challenge, but an enjoyable experience and I wish my successor all the best for the future.”
A new-look cabinet was also announced at Monday’s meeting. It is now made up of:
• Coun Jonathan Morgan, leader of the council and lead member for the whole council.
• Coun Tom Barkley, deputy leader of the council and lead member for finance and property services.
• Coun Brian Page, lead member for communities, safety and wellbeing.
• Coun Paul Mercer, lead member for housing.
• Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning, inward investment and tourism strategy.
• Coun Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough.
• Coun Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services, enforcement and licensing.
• Coun James Poland, lead member for equalities, member and strategic services.
• Coun Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for performance of major contracts.