CLLR Russ Bowden will become the next council leader following a vote this evening, Thursday.

Cllr Bowden (LAB – Birchwood), who is the current deputy leader and executive board member for corporate finance, secured the support of the Labour group at the Town Hall.

Former deputy leader Cllr Graham Friend challenged Cllr Bowden for the position but he fell short in his bid, with Cllr Bowden coming out on top in the voting by 29-7.

Council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill is stepping down from his role but will continue serving the borough as a Burtonwood and Winwick ward councillor.

Cllr Bowden will formally be elected as leader at the next full council meeting on December 17.

He has vowed to unite the group and ‘remove the political issues’ that have caused division – and he praised Cllr O’Neill for his contribution to the authority.

Cllr Bowden said: “As your next leader, I will always be a powerful voice for Labour at the Town Hall and in all of our communities.

“We, as a council, have a collective responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of our residents to the best of our ability, putting their interests at the centre of our decision making.

“Together, we will formulate a vision for the next chapter of Warrington’s progress.

“My aspiration for Warrington is a place that proudly celebrates its history and its people, sharing their hopes for a successful future.

“A place where our strong local economy shields the services that we rely on and where we are ambitious in creating opportunities for people to thrive, throughout the whole of their lives.”

Cllr Bowden also confirmed he will set up leader’s forums to allow the public to hold him, as well as the council, to account on key issues.

He added: “I want to actively engage in an honest conversation with the people of Warrington to address the challenges that we face as a town.

“We need to reconnect with those residents that we have lost along the way, over major issues like the local plan and the Western Link.”

The election for the new deputy promises to have a much larger number of candidates.

A number of members of the current executive board are keen on the role, which does not require ratification from full council.

The new deputy will be selected by Labour councillors on December 13.