THE new leader of Bromsgrove District Council has been announced, after Cllr Margaret Sherrey resigned from the position last month due to a health scare.

Conservative Cllr Geoff Denaro, who represents the Wythall West ward, was elected leader by the majority of councillors at a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 20.

Cllr Kit Taylor, who has been standing in as leader for the last few weeks, nominated Cllr Denaro for the role, calling him “a man that needs no introduction”.

Independent Cllr Steven Colella nominated Cllr Sue Baxter to take over as leader, which was seconded by leader of the Labour group Cllr Luke Mallett, who called her “a leader of integrity and honesty”.

Cllr Peter McDonald also stood up to support Cllr Baxter’s nomination, accusing Cllr Denaro of being too “wishy washy”, but the bid was defeated 15 to 10 in favour of Cllr Denaro.

Cllr Taylor, who will continue his former position as deputy council leader, praised Cllr Sherrey for her leadership.

He said: “Some people in this room would see Margaret as a bit of a Marmite character. You like her or you don’t, you agree with her or you don’t.

“I admire her honesty and integrity and will miss her.”

Cllr Denaro thanked the former leader for her hard work, joking that he “might need some pills to keep up with her pace.”