WARRINGTON Borough Council's new leader and deputy leader have been announced.
This comes following a meeting of the council's Labour group - which holds a majority on the council - to determine who would take up the mantle ahead of the coming elections.
Outgoing council leader Russ Bowden announced he would not be seeking reelection next year when he published a letter addressed to Warrington residents on his social media pages.
The Birchwood councillor explained that the toll his position had taken upon his family life had contributed to his decision to step down, combined with the fallout from a 'malicious' trial in which he was found not guilty.
Cllr Bowden's deputy, Cllr Cathy Mitchell, announced the following day that she, too, would be stepping down.
A meeting of the Labour group took place last night, November 16, where the group decided on who would take over from Cllrs Bowden and Mitchell.
Following a vote, it was decided that Latchford East councillor, and current cabinet member for transport, Hans Mundry, would become the new leader of the council.
His deputy leader will be Janet Henshaw, Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall councillor.
It is understood by the Warrington Guardian that only two other candidates were in the running to become the new leader and deputy.
Another councillor for Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall, Hitesh Patel, contested the role of council leader.
The contest to be named deputy leader saw former Mayor of Warrington Jean Flaherty standing for the position, though it was eventually won by Cllr Henshaw.
Confirming the outcome of the vote was the council's chief executive, Steven Broomhead; he said: "Following discussion and decision with the council's Labour administration, Cllr Hans Mundry will become the council’s new Leader.
"The deputy leader will be Cllr Janet Henshaw."
The chief executive added: "The council meeting on December 4 will receive their nominations and until this date, Cllr Russ Bowden and Cllr Cathy Mitchell will remain as the leader and deputy leader.
"On December 4 any changes to the composition and membership of the cabinet/committees will be made."
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