New leader for Conservative Telford & Wrekin councillors
The leader of the Conservative opposition group on a borough council has stepped down from his role and been replaced by his deputy.
Councillor Nigel Dugmore, the former deputy leader of Telford & Wrekin Council's Conservative group, has assumed the leadership of the group after Cllr Andrew Eade stepped down.
Cllr Dugmore, who represents the ward of Muxton in north-east Telford, said on social media that he was "delighted and honoured to become the leader of the Conservative group on Telford & Wrekin Council".
Cllr Eade represents Church Aston and Lilleshall on the borough council. He said it had been his intention to stand down in May but the coronavirus crisis pushed back the procedure for succession.
He has been the leader of the council's Conservatives for the last 16 years though he also acted as group leader in periods prior to that. His recent stint includes his time as the leader of the council, before the current Labour administration came to power.
Cllr Eade, who has been on the council since 1983, said: "Last May I said I would carry on as leader for another 12 months, that has only been extended by Covid.
"I've been doing it for a long time, it is time for someone else to take the reins.
"I am sure Nigel will rise to the occasion. I'll certainly miss it and I will still be continuing as a local councillor."
He said he has every intention to stand again in the next election.
Fellow Conservative Cllr Stephen Burrell, who represents Edgmond and Ercall Magna, congratulated the new leader, saying: "Pleased to support you and look forward to working with Telford & Wrekin Conservatives to make a difference in our borough into the future."
