COUNCILLOR Russ Bowden, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, has been elected the new leader.
A meeting of the controlling Labour group on the council, voted him leader by 29 votes to seven in a straight fight with former deputy leader Cllr Graham Friend.
He will take over from current leader Cllr Terry O’Neill at the next council meeting on December 17.
It had been widely predicted that Cllr Bowden would win the leadership.
Cllr O’Neill will continue to serve as a councillor for Burtonwood.
It remains to be seen whether the new leader will be able to end the bitter rivalry which has led to the Labour group on the council being split into two factions.
A new deputy leader will be chosen next month.
Cllr Bowden said: “I have a proven track record of delivering time after time for our town and our communities, serving in the cabinet for all 7 years of Terry’s administration. Making difficult decisions with clarity of purpose. Challenging convention to help us support our residents with the best possible services that we can deliver, with the resources that we have available.
“An investment programme that will realise around £30m of income next year, to protect our services and our most vulnerable from drastic Tory cuts.
“Introducing the real Living Wage for all Council staff, recognising their value and their hard work.
“Completing the bond issue which has facilitated the Time Square redevelopment, transforming our town centre and kick-starting a revival of Warrington’s family-friendly leisure scene.
“A solar energy programme that has tackled fuel poverty for more than 3,000 GGHT tenants, commercial installations that generate revenue income and the acquisition of solar farms that will make Warrington the first Council to supply itself with 100% green energy.
“The completion of our Local Authority Mortgage Scheme that helped over 200 first time buyers in Warrington to get on the property ladder.
“All initiatives and achievements that are rooted in moving our town forwards, giving our people the best opportunities throughout their life, and promising Warrington a bright and optimistic future.
“My leadership will be one that delivers for everyone in our town, whether born here or drawn here. Harnessing our economic prosperity to improve the life chances and well-being of us all – especially those in our most deprived areas – and making Warrington an even better place to live, study, work and raise a family, now and in the future.”
Cllr Bowden added: “My aspiration for Warrington is a place that proudly celebrates its history and its people, sharing their hopes for a successful future. A place where our strong local economy shields the services that we rely on, and where we are ambitious in creating opportunities for people to thrive, throughout the whole of their lives. A Warrington where we all share the benefits of that strong economy in our education, leisure, employment, retirement and care.”
One of Cllr Bowden’s first duties was attending a networking event at the historic Warrington Club in the town’s Cultural Quarter, where he met local business leaders and members of the Warrington BID team, who are investing in the future of Warrington town centre.
Great to catch up with @WarringtonBC new leader @CllrRussBowden with @RobJGriffiths at the historic #WarringtonClub pic.twitter.com/dvoNRFC2vQ
— Gary Skentelbery (@GarySkent) November 30, 2018
