Cllr Toby Savage has been elected as Council Leader at tonight’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Earlier this week Cllr Matthew Riddle stepped down from his position as leader of the Conservative group. Following Matthew’s decision not to stand for re-election, Cllr Savage was elected as the new group leader at the group’s AGM on Monday (May 14). As the leader of the Conservatives who are the largest group on the council, Cllr Savage also leads an administration as the Council Leader.
The process was ratified at Wednesday’s AGM (May 16).
Commenting on his appointment, Cllr Savage said Cllr Riddle would be a hard act to follow, adding: “It’s a great honour to be elected as Council Leader and I am looking forward to leading the authority through the challenges which lie ahead. I’d also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Matthew’s leadership over these past few years and thank him for the dedication and commitment he has shown in carrying out this role.”
Cllr Riddle will continue to serve as a councillor for South Gloucestershire Council, representing Severn ward.
The AGM is also the time to elect a new Chairman and Vice Chairman for the coming year.
Cllr Rachael Hunt was elected to serve as Chairman and named two charities she will be supporting during the year including domestic abuse charity Next Link www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk and Freewheelers Blood Bikes www.freewheelers.org.uk Freewheelers provide a free out-of-hours motorcycle courier service to hospitals in the South West of England.
Cllr Brian Allinson was also elected to serve as Vice Chairman.
Outgoing Chairman Cllr Ian Blair raised just over £1,630 which will be split between his two chosen charities Borderlands and Off the Record.
Other key appointments this evening saw Cllr Jon Hunt elected as Deputy Leader of the council. And there were two changes to Cabinet posts with Cllr Rob Creer appointed as Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources, replacing Cllr John Goddard. Cllr Paul Hughes was appointed as Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism, replacing Cllr Heather Goddard.
Cllrs John and Heather Goddard will continue to serve as councillors for South Gloucestershire Council, representing Hanham ward.
