COUNCILLOR Matthew Dormer has been selected as the new leader of Redditch Borough Council.

The post was made vacant after a Conservative group general meeting on Tuesday, May 8, unanimously voted for the previous leader of the Redditch Tories, cllr Juliet Brunner, to take on the role of mayor, replacing Labour's Jenny Wheeler.

Cllr Dormer, who is a firefighter in the town and a local businessman, was subsequently chosen as leader by a unanimous vote, while cllr David Bush will take up the role of deputy leader.

Cllr Dormer said: “The people of Redditch bucked the national trend at these elections.

"We were the only council to go directly from Labour to Conservative in the whole country - that’s a clear signal that local people embraced our campaign to unlock Redditch and release the full potential of our great town, and the work for this starts immediately.

“Under my leadership Redditch Conservatives will push forward with the regeneration of Redditch town centre, starting with our State of the Area Debates, which we will be asking officers to arrange as soon as possible.

“I also want it to be clear that Redditch Conservatives hopes to work constructively with the Labour Party in the best interests of Redditch as part of a bold and optimistic approach. I hope they are willing to set aside some differences, so we can move Redditch forwards together.

“Together, as political groups and as residents we can all achieve so much for our town so let’s get to work."

Outgoing leader cllr Brunner said it was an honour to be named as the new Mayor of Redditch.

She said: “Having led Redditch Conservatives to victory I am delighted to be nominated and take up the role of Mayor of our great town.

”I am very humbled. It is an honour and a privilege to serve Redditch as its Mayor and I’m looking forward to meeting lots of residents and raising funds for charity.”

The Conservatives in Redditch secured an additional four seats at the local elections last Friday, May 4, taking control of the council after six years.