Lib Dems choose leadership team for authority

The Liberal Democrats have chosen their leadership team to take over the running of Shropshire Council.

The party won 42 of the 74 seats in local elections last week, to seize control of an authority, which had been run by Conservatives since it became a unitary authority in 2009.

Heather Kidd will serve as the group's leader and is expected to be voted in as the leader of the authority when it meets on 22 May.

The Liberal Democrats are also in control of Shrewsbury Town Council following the elections, taking 10 of the 17 seats.

On the town council, the Lib Dems chose Rob Wilson to be leader of their group.

Meanwhile, on Shropshire Council, Ms Kidd will be backed by Alex Wagner, who will be the group's deputy leader.

Ms Kidd said her party was "determined to deliver a bold, ambitious and reforming agenda for Shropshire".

Going into the elections, Ms Kidd held the leadership of her group jointly with another councillor, Roger Evans.

She has been a local councillor since being elected to South Shropshire District Council in 1996 and has been awarded an MBE for services to rural communities.

Ms Kidd was re-elected in the Chirbury and Worthen ward with 71% of the vote - thought to be the largest vote for any councillor in England, last Thursday.

She said the authority "cannot go on as it has been" and has to become "more transparent, more efficient, and more positive about working with others".

Her deputy, Mr Wagner, a previous parliamentary candidate for Shrewsbury, is soon to be the new Mayor of Shrewsbury.

He is also known for his work campaigning for Helen Morgan, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire.

The Conservatives were reduced to seven seats in the elections on 1 May.

Lezley Picton, the previous council leader, said: "I wish the new administration well in their endeavour to fulfil their election pledges."

She also warned: "The majority of Shropshire residents voted for change but they'll find there is no money for change, and with change comes uncertainty."

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