Council elects new Leader

He was elected at an Extraordinary Meeting of the borough council held last night (5 June 2024).

Addressing councillors in the meeting, Cllr Moran said that there was a need for a progressive vision for change, saying that it was time for a fresh start and a new approach with a better, greener and fairer council.

In his speech he acknowledged that, compared to unitary councils and Mayoral authorities, Rugby Borough Council is a small council, but reminded colleagues of the need now to focus on making a real positive difference to local residents and businesses. 

Speaking afterwards, Cllr Moran said: “After decades of rule under one political party there is now an opportunity to plot a different future for the Borough.

"First and foremost, we're going to focus on the Council itself to get a better understanding of the pressures facing the Council workforce and look to improve morale and staff retention levels. We need everyone to buy into a new and exciting future for the Borough and the Council's own staff are central to that plan.

"Secondly, we will be looking to bring in independent outside expertise to review the Council's financial position so that we can plot a sensible and sustainable future for all of us. With those two essential building blocks in place we can then get on to deliver the positive new initiatives this Borough needs."

Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “We need to move towards a more progressive form of local politics.

"The Liberal Democrat group is clear that it will work hard for local residents and seek the improvements needed by way of a confidence and supply agreement."

Cllr Moran has appointed a new Deputy Leader and Cabinet.

Cllr Ish Mistry is the council’s Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for Finance, Performance, Legal and Governance, and Cllr Maggie O’Rourke becomes Cabinet portfolio holder for Partnerships and Wellbeing.

Cllr Alison Livesey has been appointed Cabinet portfolio for Operations and Traded Services, and Cllr Clare Edwards is appointed to the Cabinet as portfolio holder for Communities and Homes, Regulation and Safety.

Cllr Louise Robinson has been appointed Cabinet portfolio holder for Growth, Investment, Digital and Communications and Cllr Barbara Brown becomes Cabinet portfolio holder for Organisational Change.

Immediately following the council meeting, the following committees met and elected their Chairs. They are:

• Cllr Heather Timms, Chair of Scrutiny Committee
• Cllr Belinda Garcia, Chair of Licensing and Safety Committee
• Cllr Tony Gillias, Chair of Planning Committee