New Melton Borough Council leader pledges to 'work with all politicians' and the community

Councillor Ronan Browne was appointed – via the casting vote of the Mayor, Councillor Siggy Atherton – after voting was tied at 14-14 with the opposing candidate, Labour’s Councillor Mike Brown.

The meeting was called after previous leader, Councillor Pip Allnatt (Labour), resigned earlier this month.

He previously led a coalition administration made up of fellow Labour councillors and Independent colleagues following the 2023 local elections, which saw the Conservative group lose control of the authority.

But that all changed last night as the Tories wrestled back the leadership with Councillor Browne set to appoint a new cabinet this week.

After being appointed, Councillor Browne, who is the representative for Frisby on the Wreake ward, said: “It’s a great honour to be elected as leader of Melton Borough Council.

"As I stated in my speech at full council, I will be endeavouring to work with all politicians and the local community, as collaboratively as possible, to ensure the residents of Melton Mowbray and the wider villages are represented.”

During his campaigning speech to the meeting, ahead of the vote, Councillor Browne said it was ‘time for change’ at the council and that he represented the best candidate to lead the authority into the upcoming Local Government Reform process, when the borough council will be abolished and a new unitary authority created,

He referred to his 27 years experience working as an officer and then a councillor for Melton Council and also during that time his work in a professional capacity working with the NHS, government and in social housing.

Councillor Browne also touched on some of the vital issues currently impacting people in the Melton borough. He said he and the Conservative group were working on exploring more GP services in the south of the town and that they would continue to work with interested parties in the town’s college and theatre site to ensure they are retained as community assets.

As leader, he said he would focus on getting the current Stockyard redevelopment project delivered on time as well as other council initiatives, including replacing car parking machines, installing a new bridge at the country park and improving allotments services.

Councillor Browne also indicated he would look to see if some of the council’s assets, which were being assessed by the previous administration for disposal to generate income, could instead be used for the benefit of residents.

He added: “We want to ensure this council is run with robustness, inclusivity and works for our residents first.

"We will look after the finances and ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are supported, both young and old.”

Councillor Browne was nominated as leader by Conservative colleague, Councillor Robert Child, who told colleagues: “He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting residents, from assisting vulnerable individuals within housing to advocating for our rural farming communities.

"As leader of the opposition he has conducted himself with professionalism, integrity and a clear sense of purpose.”

The nomination was seconded by Councillor Ian Atherton, who told the meeting: “As a councillor for a rural ward he will ensure a balanced approach for this council and to Local Government Reorganisation, thereby ensuring we get the best for all our residents, not just those of Melton Mowbray, which I know is a concern to some in this chamber.”

The other candidate, Councillor Mike Brown, was nominated by the acting leader, Councillor Margaret Glancy (Independent) and seconded by Labour member, Councillor Sarah Cox.

Councillor Brown, representative for Melton Egerton ward, told the meeting his long experience working for the NALGO and UNISON unions would prepare him for the challenges faced by the leadership role.

"I’ve worked with a wide range of public bodies and major public utilities at local, regional and national level,” he said.

"I’m used to dealing with senior executives and politicians, I’ve successfully worked in partnership with those bodies to deliver major change, restructuring and reorganisation.

“I’m therefore confident in my ability to represent the council and our residents at all levels.”

Councillor Brown said he was ‘proud’ of what the Labour/Independent administration had achieved over the three years they had run Melton Borough Council: “We delivered a stable administration based on mutual respect between us, inclusivity and support for one another.”

He referred to the ‘huge improvements’ the administration had delivered in housing services, including reducing rent arrears owed to the authority from nine per cent to three per cent this year.

Councillor Brown referenced the ruling group playing a leading role along with other local district councils in establishing an option for local government reform – this would see Melton join a new North Leicestershire Council alongside a South Leicestershire Council and a Leicester City Council based on existing boundaries, with a government decision due later this year.

“What we need now is stability and continuity and I’m the candidate who offers that,” Councillor Brown told the meeting.

During the debate, some councillors raised party political issues and some aimed insults and accusations at political rivals across the chamber floor.

They were chastised by Councillor Helen Cliff (Independent), who told the meeting: “I’ve been sat hear tonight cringing.

"I’m thinking of all our residents who are either sat in the gallery or watching online.

"There has been too much unnecessary politics which have found their way into the room, which isn’t relevant, and there has been some personal jibes.”

Before backing her Labour colleague’s candidacy, she added: “I come from a position where I think either man could do a good job. Both possess excellent qualities actually.”

The current political balance of Melton Borough Council is 11 Conservatives, eight Independents, five Labour, three non-aligned and one Liberal Democrat.