Council leader wins top regional post

LEADER of Warrington Borough Council Terry O’Neill, has been elected to a key regional role.
He has been elected chairman of the North West Leaders Board – the body which provides a united voice for the North West on key issues on the national and regional stage.
Cllr O’Neill will hold the post for a three-year term. He succeeds Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council who has been chairman since the board was set up seven years ago to replace the North West Regional Assembly.
Board members represent local government, businesses and the third sector in the region.
They work on strategic issues affecting more than one council, such as major transport infrastructure or environmental issues.
Cllr O’Neill said: “I am looking forward to taking a leading role on the board, and will use my time as chair to make a strong case to Government on issues that affect our region.
“I would like to thank Sir Richard, the former chair since its inception, for his vision and commitment to the Leaders Board, and for his outstanding contribution in ensuring we have a collective voice for the North West.
“Warrington is a high growth location and we are ideally located, half way between Liverpool and Manchester with many key national transport links, to understand the challenges and opportunities the region faces.”