There is a new leader for Swale council for the first time in more than 15 years.

Labour councillor Roger Truelove has been voted in as leader of the new coalition administration at the authority, which is made up of the Labour group, Swale Independents (SI), the Liberal Democrats (LD), the Green Party and independents.

It comes after the Conservatives lost 16 seats, including that held by former council leader Andrew Bowles, in one of the biggest shocks of the local elections earlier this month.

Cllr Truelove was selected as leader by fellow councillors at the annual council meeting last night, while Cllr Mike Baldock, who leads the Swale Independents group, was named as deputy leader.

The meeting also saw a new cabinet and deputies appointed to make decisions on resources and priorities to deliver and implement the budget and policies decided by the council.

As well as being leader, Cllr Truelove will also take up the role as finance cabinet member, and Cllr Baldock will also holds the portfolio for planning.

The remainder of the cabinet comprises Cllr Richard Palmer (SI) for community, Cllr Monique Bonney (Ind) for economy and property, Cllr Tim Valentine (Green) for environment, Cllr Angela Harrison (Lab) for health and well-being and Cllr Ben Martin (LD) for housing.

The deputy cabinet members are Cllr Derek Carnell (SI) for finance, Cllr Alastair Gould (Green) for planning, Cllr Julian Saunders (Lab) for community, Cllr Sarah Stephen (SI) for economy and property, Cllr Eddie Thomas (LD) for environment, Cllr Hannah Perkin (LD) for health and well-being and Cllr Ghlin Whelan (Lab) for housing.

"After so many years in local government, and so many in opposition, I am excited to have the chance to lead on policies which I believe will improve the lives of all in Swale," - Cllr Roger Truelove

The meeting also agreed new chairs for council committees and appointments to outside bodies. The new chairman of the planning committee is Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab).

The Tory group has chosen Cllr Alan Horton as its leader and Cllr David Simmons as deputy.

Cllr Truelove said: “After so many years in local government, and so many in opposition, I am excited to have the chance to lead on policies which I believe will improve the lives of all in Swale.

“I am most grateful for the support of the leaders of the other four coalition groups, each of whom add great intelligence and energy to our new administration.”

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