Leader takes a back seat

The leadership of the Conservative group on Newark and Sherwood District Council has changed hands.

Mr Tony Roberts, who is also leader of the council, has swapped roles with his deputy, Mr Roger Blaney.

The change was agreed at Tuesday night’s group meeting.

Mr Blaney said: “It is something that Tony and I discussed at the last election.

“He said he was of a mind to take more of a back seat and the whole thing has been very amicable.

“He graciously proposed me as leader at the meeting and I proposed him as deputy.”

Mr Roberts has been leader of the Conservative group for 111/2 years and leader of the council for 81/2 years.

He is the longest-serving leader since the council was formed in 1974.

Mr Blaney paid tribute to Mr Roberts’ work.

A district council spokesman said it was an internal matter for the Conservatives and solely related to the group rather than the council leadership at this time.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 requires that instead of the council electing a leader annually, they do so for a four-year term.

The leader may then be removed only by a resolution of the council unless he or she resigns, dies or is disqualified from holding office.

Any change to the leadership would have to be proposed and seconded and voted on by council.

Other nominations for the post can be made by what is a hung council.

The next opportunity for that to happen would be at the council’s annual meeting on May 15.