THE seven strong Redditch Labour Group of borough councillors have selected Coun Joe Baker (Batchley & Brockhill) as their new leader.
Coun Baker, who succeeds Coun Andy Fry (Lodge Park) has pledged to take the seven strong Redditch Labour Group into the next year on a pledge to hold the administration to account and represent the views of the community.
Handing over the reins, Coun Fry said: “I didn’t want to stand again this year and I’m extremely delighted that Joe Baker has been selected.”
Speaking after the group’s annual meeting which saw Coun Sharon Harvey (Central) elected as deputy leader, former leader Coun Bill Hartnett (Church Hill) as group chair and Coun Sid Khan (Abbey) as group whip, Coun Baker said: “The results of last Thursday’s elections shows that Labour is building back in Redditch with more than 40 per cent of the popular vote, a 10 per cent increase on last year.
“Redditch Labour has a strong team mix of seasoned councillors with the added expertise of our new members.
“Every group member will play a pivotal role in holding the Conservative administration to account by putting forward our policies that were met with overwhelming support on the doorstep.
“The success in our campaign was listening to the views of the Redditch community who expect to see more transparency and improved consultation on the decisions that affect their lives. If the ruling Conservatives won’t do it we will.
“I see the role of Redditch Labour is to ensure that everyone in our borough reaps the benefits of ‘building back fairer’, to ensure that funding is targeted where it’s needed most and to support our voluntary groups who continue to work tirelessly to support our community.”
