New leader aims to work for all - The Malvern Observer

New leader aims to work for all

Malvern Editorial 28th May, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

THE NEW leader of Malvern Hills District Council has said he will be ‘open and inclusive’ as the town’s authority looks to make a fresh start.

Coun Phil Grove, councillor for the Tenbury ward, was elected into the role at a full council meeting last Tuesday (May 19) and takes over from David Hughes, who failed to keep hold of his Alfrick seat at the elections.

Coun Grove, who starts his second term of leadership at MHDC, outlined plans for all 38 councillors to work together over the next four years and also to develop business plans to combat national Government cuts.

“I believe all of us can work together in the council over the next four years for the benefit of our residents, our business community and our visitors to our district,” Coun Grove said.




“Where we can achieve cross-party consensus we will seek to do so.

“I know we will disagree, that is good politics, but hopefully we can do this in the right spirit and equally work well with our hard-working officers.


“My door will be open to each and every one of you, we can have a fresh start and hopefully agree we are here to improve the quality of life and prosperity for all parts of the district.

“Local Government will continue to experience significant challenges over the next five years and we need to be realistic about this. We will therefore develop a business plan to bring together our budget and our priorities and we will develop it together.

“I look forward to working with all of you and thank you for electing me in this position. I am very privileged.”

Jack Hegarty, chief executive at the council, said: “We are delighted Coun Grove has been elected as leader.

“He has been a successful councillor with us for 12 years and we are really looking forward to the contribution he will make to the council to benefit the district and our residents.”

Members also elected Coun Bronwen Behan, councillor for Longdon, as deputy leader and portfolio holder for environmental control.

Meanwhile, Coun Melanie Baker is portfolio holder for planning and housing and Coun Paul Cumming is responsible for finance, performance, management and resources.

Coun Rebecca Massey was handed the portfolio for economic development, tourism and leisure, health and wellbeing and Coun David Chambers is responsible for police development, HR and customer services.

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