Opposition leader on Shropshire Council to step down

The leader of the main opposition group on Shropshire Council is to step down from the role after eight years.

Roger Evans said it was the right time for someone else to take the helm, after seeing the Liberal Democrats through their most successful local elections to date.

The party, which has been the main opposition group since the council was formed in 2009, now has 14 of the 74 seats on the authority. The ruling Conservatives have 43.

The Lib Dems went into the election with 12 seats, losing one in Wem but gaining three in Shrewsbury – ousting former council leader Peter Nutting in the process.

In several other wards they came within touching distance of victory, including deputy leader Steve Charmley’s Whittington seat.

Councillor Evans, who represents Longden, said: “We are all agreed on the main issues that face the council.

“We share a common vision on what would have been our aims if those few extra seats had been won.

“We just needed an extra 256 votes across six seats and the majority that the Conservatives have would have been wiped out.

“Another 122 votes would have seen the Conservatives lose control of the council.

“We would have seen real change then and the voice of the community would have been listened to, not ignored as has happened during the last 12 years.

“The Liberal Democrat vote share across Shropshire increased of course and was around equal to half of the total Conservative one, even though we fought fewer seats.

“I have always felt that after an election is an especially good to take stock and look to the future.

“I have and feel now is a good time to hand over and allow the group to elect my replacement, to take us forward and ensure the many different communities are listened to and their voices are heard and taken note of.”

Councillor Evans said the group would continue to pursue issues outlined in its election manifesto, including campaigning against the North West Relief Road.

He said: “It is not wanted and now not needed.

“Other, far cheaper, solutions can be used to control vehicles using the back lanes. Number plate recognition cameras can be used. Vehicles using them can easily be identified and if needed fined and prosecuted where needed.

“We need to improve other roads around the county as well as Shrewsbury.

“The so called Dobbies roundabout needs a real back to basics look at and alterations carried out.”

The group also wants to see the council take more direct action to help combat the climate emergency, and revisit the draft local plan and the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.

Councillor Evans added: “Our new group leader will, I am sure, expand on this list and bring further ideas forward for consideration when elected.”

Nominations will open on May 31 and the new group leader will be announced on June 21.

Councillor Evans’ decision means the council’s Labour group is the only one to emerge from the elections with the same leader – Alan Mosley.

The Conservatives elected Lezley Picton to become the first female leader of the council following Mr Nutting’s defeat.

Meanwhile the newly formed Green group has elected Julian Dean as leader, and David Minnery, former Conservative cabinet member, will lead the independent group.