Following the meeting of Stockport Council yesterday evening, a new Liberal Democrat administration is to lead the borough and Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at the Town Hall, becomes Leader of the Council. Cllr Wendy Meikle is to be Deputy Leader.
The 28-member Liberal Democrat group were again the largest party after the recent local elections, securing two gains from the Conservatives. Labour made no progress, ending the evening on 25 seats and the Conservatives were reduced to just 5 seats – the lowest number for over 20 years.
The Independent Ratepayers were unchanged on 3 with the Greens on 2, following a gain from Labour.
Speaking after the vote, Cllr Hunter said “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the Council; it is an honour and a privilege. I will be unstinting in my efforts to take this authority forward by reaching out to all groups on the Council and working together. The people of Stockport would expect no less.
“In this unprecedented financial climate, with a deepening cost of living crisis, it has never been more important to make sure every penny of Council spending counts. We need to do more to help hard-pressed local residents and I have already made clear to senior officers our ambition to target a Council tax freeze next year.
“Other priorities include protecting the green belt from developers. Yes to the right homes in the right places and no to ever more development on valuable green space.
“We also need to see more urgent action on the climate emergency, reviewing the current – unworkable – Clean Air Zone proposals and ensuring any new plans are fair for residents and businesses across Stockport.
“We will also press for improvements to local health services, campaign for a new hospital and demand urgent action on ambulance waiting times.
“Already, our new administration has launched an urgent review of Labour’s decision to close the Grade II listed Central Library on the A6.
“There is much to do and we are keen to get on with the job. Our mission is simply to make Stockport an even better place to live and work – we are ready, willing and able to rise to that challenge.”
