MALVERN councillor Julian Roskams has stepped down from his position as leader of the Democratic Group at Malvern Hills District Council.
The former town mayor has been leader of the group – which consists of district councillors from both the Green Party and Independent Party to provide robust opposition to the ruling Conservative group – for the past three years.
But Coun Roskams told the Observer he felt it was the right time to hand over power and was keen to pursue new ventures.
He has been replaced by Independent councillor Sarah Rouse who covers the Alfrick and Leigh ward with Dean Clarke as her deputy.
Coun Roskams will remain as a district councillor for the West Malvern ward.
He said: “When the group asked me to stay on as leader at our meeting in May of this year, I told them that I was prepared to continue on an interim basis – but that I thought it was time for a change.
“I have had a fantastic time as group leader and have received nothing but encouragement and support from my group members.
“But I felt that three years in the job was long enough for anyone – and that it would benefit both the group and me if we were to have a change at the top.
“We are very fortunate in the Democratic Group to have many talented councillors and I through that, as we approach the midpoint of this council, there was no better time to give others the opportunity to take the lead.”
Coun Roskams also praised Coun Rouse saying she was the ‘most able’ councillor to take on the role.
He added: “Since her election last year, Sarah has proved herself to be among the most able, talented and hard-working of councillors.
“The group is safe in her hands and I look forward to supporting her and the group from the backbenches and to pursuing new ventures.”
Coun Rouse said she was delighted to take on the role.
“I am very proud to have been asked to step into the leader role for such a hardworking and conscientious group of councillors,” she said.
“Coun Roskams has done a wonderful job and I hope we can carry on challenging the administration when needed whilst also working with them to make sure that our residents get the very best services that Malvern Hills District Council can provide.”
