Labour leader takes top job at borough council
PARTY, WITH SUPPORT OF INDEPENDENTS, REPLACES CONSERVATIVES
LABOUR’S leader has taken over at a council that had been in Conservative control for 20 years.
Councillor Pip Allnatt won the leadership of Melton Borough Council at the annual council meeting.
A motion to elect him was passed by 13 votes to 11, with four abstentions.
Melton previously had 19 Conservative councillors, which dropped to 11 after the election results were revealed, while the number of independent councillors increased from eight to 10.
Labour previously had no seats, but won five, while the Greens and the Liberal Democrats both have a councillor each.
Coun Allnatt named independent Councillor Marget Glancy as deputy.
He said: “As we move on to this new chapter for the council I want to ensure we get together to lead for the common good of the community.
“Everyone will have a voice and we need to start with a clean slate.
“We are a mixed group of councillors all with a variety of issues we will want to bring forward.
“It’s important we recognise that through the ballot box, the public have expressed a desire for change.
“This doesn’t mean we throw the baby out with the bathwater and we will continue to build on all the things the council is already doing really well, but we will take stock and listen and ensure we develop policies democratically and with broad support.”
“I am delighted to confirm Cllr Margaret Glancy as the council’s deputy leader and to name a slimmer cabinet to include Councillors Sarah Cox, Pat Cumbers and Sharon Butcher.
“I look forward to working with the whole community, including the parishes and those in the town centre, to implement improvements in a timely, effective and efficient manner for all our residents.”
Coun Glancy said: “I would like to thank everyone who has voted for me and allowed me this opportunity to take up the role of deputy leader.
“I am looking forward to working with and supporting Cllr Allnatt in his new role and strongly believe he is the best person for the job as leader of the council.
“This is not a politically driven decision, it is one reflective of his experience and of our desire to move forward and unite the council.
“I am confident we can work well together as a harmony cabinet with a majority of independent councillors to achieve the best for our community.”