‘New leader will be open, transparent and less autocratic’

YOUR front page headline last week “Tories in turmoil” does not reflect the reality of the situation for the Conservative Group on SMDC.

We have listened to the concerns of voters especially in Leek regarding the direction of the leadership of the controlling group at SMDC & agreed that it was time to change direction.

We had a situation where a small group of cabinet appointees under the now removed leader were dictating the agenda without proper consultation and feedback with the Conservative group of councillors.

The Conservative Group democratically selected its leader at the AGM in April and then put forward the chosen candidate – Cllr Paul Roberts – for ratification at the full council AGM this week.

I am pleased therefore that Cllr Roberts is now the democraticallyelected leader of SMDC and know that his leadership will be much more open and transparent and less autocratic than his predecessor’s.

Paul’s very first job as leader was to immediately engage with the organisers of Scooterfest to arrange use of Leek’s Trestle Market.

And following meetings with market traders, the market is moving back to Derby Street from today (May 11), along with the reopening of the car park on Market Square.

In the coming year, as we head to fresh elections in May 2023, we will be listening carefully to the concerns and wishes of Moorlands voters and pursuing an agenda that will leave no part of the Moorlands under-represented in terms of covering a positive agenda.

Where mistakes have been made they are being rectified as we welcome feedback going forward.

Your readers in Leek in particular can be assured that the new cabinet will see Leek have its rightful place in resource allocation and policy initiatives going forward from your Conservative-led authority.

Mike Howson Deputy chair, Staffs Moorlands

Conservative Association