MATT Dormer has been named as the new leader of Redditch’s Conservative Party group.
His predecessor Councillor Juliet Brunner has stepped aside and will take up the post of borough Mayor.
The move came at the annual general meeting of the local Conservatives group and followed their local election victory on May 3 when they secured an additional four seats and control of the council.
Councillor Dormer is a Watch Commander at Redditch Fire Station and also runs Dormer Plant Hire at Headless Cross.
The new Deputy Leader of Redditch Conservatives will be Councillor David Bush, also a local businessman.
All three candidates were elected unanimously.
Speaking on her decision to be put forward as the Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Juliet Brunner 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.”
Councillor 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.
“Finally, I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Councillor Brunner who will be one of the best Mayors of Redditch we have seen.”
