THE new leader and deputy leader of the controlling Labour Group on Warrington Borough Council have issued statements following their recent selection saying they are “grateful” and “delighted” to have the backing of the group.
Cllr Hans Mundry, who has been a Cllr. for nearly 30 years, has been elected as the new leader, taking over from Cllr Russ Bowden, while former nurse and solicitor Cllr Janet Henshaw, will replace Cllr Cathy Mitchell as deputy at a meeting of the full council on December 4.
Cllr Mundry, who has been selected to become leader, said “I am grateful to the Labour Group who have put their trust in me, electing me to become leader of our group.
“I come to the role with a wealth of experience in local government, having served as a councillor for 29 years in my home ward of Latchford East, and as the Cabinet member for Transport and former Cabinet Member for Community and Housing.
“I want to thank Russ and Cathy for their hard work over recent years and I wish them all the best in their future.
“I look forward to sharing Labour’s positive vision for Warrington over the coming weeks and months addressing the pressing issues our town faces”.
Cllr Henshaw, who has been selected as deputy leader of Warrington Labour Group:”I am delighted to have the backing of the Labour Group to become Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council. In fulfilling this new duty, I will draw upon my life experiences as a nurse, solicitor and carer for my late partner.
“Warrington is a resilient town, its people possess an extraordinary capacity to confront the most testing of challenges, from terrorism to COVID to the present-day Cost of Living Crisis. As Deputy Leader, I will work tirelessly for the people of Warrington, ensuring our buoyant local economy continues to grow whilst doing my utmost to protect the services that vulnerable people rely on from further Conservative cuts.
“In shaping a new direction for our town in the coming weeks and months, as part of a new leadership team, my focus remains firmly on enhancing the well-being of all our residents and continuing to work in partnership with businesses and communities to tackle the climate crisis.”
Cllr. Mundry represents Latchford East while Cllr. Henshaw represents Great Sankey North & Whittle Hall.
The Council meeting on 4th December will receive their nominations and until this date Cllr. Russ Bowden and Cllr. Cathy Mitchell will remain as the Leader and Deputy Leader.
On the 4th of December, any changes to the composition and membership of the Cabinet/Committees will also be made.
It follows the decisions of Cllr Bowden and Cllr Cathy Mitchell, to stand down following their decisions not to seek re-election next May.
