CHESHIRE East Conservative Group has announced that the new party leader will be Cllr Rachel Bailey, ward member for Audlem. 

 

The decision was taken at the group's meeting last night on Thursday, January 14.

 

Cllr Bailey beat the only other leadership candidate, Cllr Janet Clowes ward member for Wybunbury.

 

Cheshire East Council must ratify the decision of the Conservative Group with vote at full council on February 25, 2016.

 

If full council vote in favour, Cllr Bailey will become the new leader of Cheshire East Council.

 

A spokesman for the Cheshire East Conservative Group, said: “The new Group Leader has been a Cheshire East councillor since May 2008 and is currently Cabinet Member responsible for Children and Families.”

 

Cllr Bailey replaces Cllr Michael Jones, who resigned in December following controversy over contracts awarded to his personal physiotherapist’s firm and claims of bullying.

 

Cllr Jones cited ‘infighting’ within the Cheshire East Conservative Group as his reason for resigning as leader.

 

Cllr Bailey told the Guardian that she wants the group to be unified again.

 

Cllr Bailey said: “I want to build on what’s been achieved in relation to Alderley Park and HS2 and also build on the residents first policy.

 

 “I have been a borough councillor since 1998 so I bring a fair bit of experience. I believe in the Cheshire East Conservative Group and I want the group to be unified again.”