WOKINGHAM is to have a new political leader in the wake of the local elections result.
Last week, the borough council went to No Overall Control after the Conservatives lost five seats to the Liberal Democrats, and Labour picked up a seat in Bulmershe and Whitegates.
The result left the Conservatives one short of a majority, with 26 seats, and the Lib Dems with 23 seats. Labour has three councillors, and there are two independents.
As a result, Cllr John Halsall has decided to step down from his position as leader of the Conservatives, and the borough council. It is not yet known who will take his place.
On Thursday, May 19, the borough council will meet for the first time since the election results, and form a new administration.
The agenda includes a motion of no confidence in the council’s leadership which, if passed, would give the opposition parties a chance to put together a new ruling group.
This could mean the council will no longer be under Conservative control.
Chief executive Susan Parsonage said: “Cllr John Halsall has announced he will be resigning as leader of the council on Thursday, May 19.
“It is also expected that a new leader will be elected at the Annual Council meeting on the same evening.
“John has been leader since May 2019 and will remain as councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe.”
At the same meeting, Cllr Keith Baker will step down as mayor after his year in office, and the parties will be asked to nominate a new mayor and deputy. Cllr Abdul Loyes is the current deputy mayor.
