New leader of the council is set to be named next week
They will be the third leader of the council this year
A NEW leader of Tamworth Borough Council and the third this year will be officially revealed next week.
Appointment of the leader of the council features on the agenda for Full Council inside the town hall on Tuesday night, December 12 from 6.10pm.
The new leader takes over at an important time as progress on the Future High Streets Fund regeneration of the town centre continues at rapid pace.
It comes after previous leader Paul Turner stepped down at a council meeting last month. Deputy leader Thomas Jay is currently acting leader of the council.
Jeremy Oates began the year as leader with Rob Pritchard as deputy however Cllrs Turner and Jay replaced them in May. Now the third leader of the calendar year will be announced next week.
In a shock announcement, Cllr Turner told the meeting last month: “I do intend to step down as leader of the Conservative group and this council at the end of this meeting.
“I have had many changes and demands on family and work commitments over the last months which is good because the business is doing really well so I need to refocus and realign but it has been a great honour to work with you over the last six months.
You haven’t seen the last of me but I shall be from the back seats.”
Speaking exclusively to the Herald the morning after the announcement, Cllr Turner remained steadfast in his confidence that it is an exciting period of time for Tamworth: “The Future High Streets Fund is progressing really well and you will see building being done in good order.
“There are several other things that I can’t say yet but will be on the radar soon that are in good order.
“Lighting up Christmas was a passion of mine. I just wanted the fun and the happiness and to make Tamworth a destination. Enjoy what we have put on this Christmas. Use it. Enjoy it. Love it.
“We have set in stone a strategy around leisure, tourism and heritage and they are going to be the three core principles moving forward. The budget’s being set at the moment, it is looking in a good place.”
A new chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council was also recently announced.
Stephen Gabriel will take over from Andrew Barratt with effect from April 1, 2024 when he retires at the end of March after a 28 year local government career, and 20 years with Tamworth Borough Council.
Also on the agenda for next week’s meeting are conferring the title of Honorary Alderwoman on Michelle Cook, changes to committee membership, nature recovery declaration, treasury management strategy statement and annual investment strategy midyear review report 2023/24, council tax reduction scheme 2024/25, draft charitable collections policy 2024 - 2028 and sexual establishment policy 2024 - 2028.