A FORMER Prince Henry’s High School student has been named the new leader of Wychavon District Council and vowed the authority was ‘moving forward in the right direction’.
Coun Bradley Thomas became one of the youngest council leaders in the country when he was elected unanimously at a meeting of the council on Wednesday (November 7).
The 32-year-old councillor for Broadway and Wickhamford thanked councillors for their support after his election following his nomination by Coun Rob Adams and Bengeworth councillor Martin King.
“I became a councillor because I wanted to make the place we call home better,” he said.
“The success of Wychavon is not down to the executive board alone but all of the councillors as well as our officers headed by Jack Hegarty and Vic Allison.”
Coun King told the meeting he backed his Vale colleague to follow in the footsteps of former leaders Malcolm Meikle, Martin Jennings, Paul Middlebrough and Linda Robinson.
“Here in this glorious haven that is the council of Wychavon, we should acclaim gladly but hopefully not too madly that our new leader is Bradley,” he said.
Coun Thomas promised a degree of continuity among his top team with elections on the horizon in May and retained his current role as executive board member for planning which he has held since May 2016.
Coun Ron Davis will be the executive board member for resources and investment while a housing, health and well-being will be grouped together under the watchful guidance of board member Coun Gerry O’Donnell.
Coun Emma Stokes has returned to the top team as executive board member for recycling, environment and street scene and Droitwich Coun Richard Morris has been named deputy leader of the council as well as a his tourism brief.
Community Engagement, Culture and Sport will be the responsibility of Coun Rob Adams and council chairman Coun Tony Rowley lent his support to his party colleague and paid tribute to outgoing leader Coun Linda Robinson and deputy leader Coun Lynne Duffy.
“I have been associated with many different councils but haven’t recognised as many as good as this one. A lot of that is down to the leadership we have had over time.
“We should wish both Linda and Lynne all the best for the future, we really should be grateful for their efforts.”
