MALVERN Hills District Council, which covers Tenbury Wells, has officially elected a Leader and Chairman.

At the Annual Council meeting on May 23, Councillor Tom Wells was re-elected as the council’s leader.

Coun Barbara Jones-Williams was elected as chairman, the former chairman Coun John Michael, passed over his chains during the meeting.

Coun Natalie McVey was re-elected as deputy leader and Coun Daniel Walton was elected as the vice-chairman.

Portfolio holders have also been chosen, with Coun Tom Wells holding community services, Coun Natalie McVey holding housing and health, Coun David Harrison holding planning, infrastructure and flooding. 

Coun Beverley Nielsen has taken economic development and tourism, replacing Coun Daniel Walton, Coun John Raine has taken environment, replacing Coun Beverley Nielsen, and Coun John Gallagher has taken resources, replacing Coun Peter Whatley. 

No overall party or group is currently in control of Malvern Hills District Council.

The political balance now stands as 11 Independents, seven Green, seven Conservatives, three Liberal Democrats and three Malvern Hills Independents.

Coun Tom Wells, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "It is a real privilege to serve the people of our towns and villages. It is vital that the council listens to the views of local residents and that is why I shall immediately set up my Talk to Tom leader's surgeries again".