Melton Council elects new Labour councillor as leader
A Labour leader has been elected this evening (Wednesday) by Melton’s newly-elected borough councillors.
Councillor Pip Allnatt, who was recently elected in Melton Egerton ward, defeated veteran Conservative Malise Graham by just 13 votes to 11.
It is a major political shift in the leadership of the council, following the Tories losing control of the authority at the local elections.
Councillor Allnatt announced a slimmed down new cabinet containing two new members – Councillors Sharon Butcher and Sarah Cox – plus Councillor Pat Cumbers, with Councillor Margaret Glancy as deputy leader.
Former leader, Councillor Joe Orson, announced he was standing down from the post.
He formerly led a clear Conservative majority on the council but that advantage was lost when a number of Tory councillors were not re-elected at the recent local elections, including two members of the cabinet.
Councillor Alan Hewson (Croxton Kerrial) was re-elected as Mayor for a second consecutive year in office.
His Deputy Mayor will be Councillor Tim Webster, a Conservative