THE Conservative group on Salisbury City Council has elected a new leader.
It comes after the resignation of councillor Paul Cunningham last week.
Cllr Charles McGrath, representing Milford and previously Deputy Leader of the group, was elected to the position at the group’s monthly meeting tonight (Tuesday August 3).
Cllr McGrath will be the Conservative group's fourth different leader in under 12 months, following on from Jeremy Nettle, Liz Sirman, and Paul Cunningham.
Speaking after the meeting, Cllr McGrath said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be elected the leader of the Conservative group on Salisbury City Council.
“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Paul for his expert leadership over the last two months. He has given us a clear platform to work from, putting common sense decision-making at the heart of what we do and working constructively with the other parties on the council.
“I came into local politics for one reason: to make Salisbury, the city I was born in and am proud to call home, a better place. Whether it’s revitalising hospitality or improving our roads and pavements, I can’t wait to work with the Conservative group and the council to make this a reality.”
Aged only 25, Cllr McGrath is one of the youngest Conservative leaders in the country, and was only elected to the city council and Wiltshire Council earlier this year.
He added: “I hope I can bring a youthful perspective to the leadership group on the council. One issue raised to me since becoming a councillor is how we can attract more young people to live and work in our city, and I’m keen to make this a priority during my time as Leader.”
Cllr Ed Rimmer was elected Deputy Leader and will also act as group secretary.
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