A NEW leader of Warrington Borough Council has been appointed.

Cllr Hans Mundry, who has been the cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, was appointed to the role at the full council meeting on Monday – with Cllr Janet Henshaw, who has been the cabinet member for sustainability and climate change, to become the deputy leader.

It comes after outgoing council leader Cllr Russ Bowden, along with outgoing deputy Cllr Cathy Mitchell, made announcements confirming they would not be seeking re-election next year.

The new leader was appointed following a vote at the full council meeting at the Parr Hall on Monday.

It means Cllr Mundry will be the council leader until at least May 2024.

Cllr Mundry is one of Warrington Borough Council’s longest-serving members, having first been elected in 1995 representing Westy, which was subsequently changed to the ward of Latchford East.

Cllr Mundry – who was Mayor of Warrington in 2005-06 – became a member of the cabinet, formerly the executive board, in 2015 as portfolio holder for transport, highways and public realm. As a cabinet member, he has overseen the delivery of multiple significant highways, transport and infrastructure projects including the Centre Park Link, Warrington West train station and the new bus depot for Warrington’s Own Buses.

Cllr Mundry was also instrumental in placing the order for 105 all-electric buses, due to hit Warrington’s roads in 2024.

He said: “I'm very proud to take up the position of Leader of Warrington Borough Council. I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead, as our borough continues to evolve and grow.

“Warrington is a place like no other – and I have taken great heart from how we have responded to the challenges of recent years with resilience, community spirit and partnership. This gives us every reason to feel confident about our future.

“I have strong ambitions for Warrington. I want us to build on our strengths as a well-connected, business-friendly economic leader, to drive ahead with our net zero ambitions and to work with partners to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

“Crucial to this will be our ongoing work to support vibrant, safe and inclusive communities where every resident feels heard and valued and is able to take an active part in – and benefit from - Warrington’s growth.”

Cllr Henshaw, who was first elected in 2021 as borough councillor for Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall, was appointed cabinet member for sustainability and climate change in 2022. In 2023 she also became responsible for housing and planning.

She said: “I’m delighted to have the backing of the Labour Group to become Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council. In fulfilling this new duty, I will draw upon my life experiences as a nurse, solicitor and carer for my late partner.

“Warrington is a resilient town, its people possess an extraordinary capacity to confront the most testing of challenges, from terrorism to COVID to the present day Cost of Living Crisis. As Deputy Leader, I will work tirelessly for the people of Warrington, ensuring our buoyant local economy continues to grow whilst doing my utmost to protect the services that vulnerable people rely on from further Conservative cuts.

“In shaping a new direction for our town in the coming weeks and months, as part of a new leadership team, my focus remains firmly on enhancing the well-being of all our neighbours and continuing to work in partnership with businesses and communities to tackle the climate crisis.”