AN increased focus on economic growth, nature and mental health has been promised by the new leader of Wychavon District Council.
Councillor Christopher Day was voted in as Council Leader at a meeting on Wednesday (18 October) following the resignation of outgoing leader Councillor Bradley Thomas.
The Ombersley Ward representative was elected in 2019 and was previously Executive Board member for Housing, Health and Wellbeing, as well as Deputy Leader.
Coun Day said: “I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Thomas.
“Under his leadership Wychavon has maintained a strong financial position, kept Council Tax low, continued to support our local economy and invested in supporting our communities.
“We will continue to do all of those things, as well as increase our focus on looking after our natural environment and understanding how we can measure and boost the value our district’s natural capital adds to our economy and society.
“It’s important every resident can make the most of their talent and potential.
“That’s why we will boost the good work we are already doing around social mobility, as well as focus on our residents’ mental health, to build resilient communities and families.”
To support his new priorities Coun Day has made several changes to Wychavon’s Executive Board including some new faces and role changes.
- Coun Aaron Powell will be deputy leader maintain responsibility for resources, investment and innovation.
- Coun Dan Birch, will take the new role of portfolio holder for wellbeing, social mobility and transformation.
- Coun Richard Morris will be responsible for economic growth and tourism.
- Coun Paul Middlebrough will become responsible for the new role of town and rural vitality.
- Coun Rick Deller becomes responsible for a new role in housing and regulatory services.
- Coun Beverley Hardman takes over responsibility for boosting natural capital.
- Coun Emma Kearsey retains responsibility for planning, infrastructure and urban design.
- Coun Rob Adams remains responsible for strong communities, culture and sport.
- Coun Emma Stokes, will maintain her responsibility for resident and customer services.
Coun Thomas’ resignation brings the curtain down on his five-year leadership of the council, which included guiding the district through the coronavirus pandemic.
He will continue to represent the residents of Harvington and Norton Ward on the council and is also the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (PPC) for Bromsgrove.
Freezing Council Tax, delivering a new youth homelessness prevention scheme in Evesham and the world class Evesham VeloPark were highlighted by Cllr Thomas as among the achievements he was most proud of.
Coun Thomas said: “Throughout my time as leader we have maintained residents’ interests throughout, as well as put the environment at the centre of everything we do.
“Our work on new design codes will set the district up for long-term prosperity. In short, we are a standout council that is the envy of the local government sector.
“I would like to thank everyone who has played a role from officers to members and partners.
“I will give my full support to Councillor Day and the new administration.”
