Councillor Maggie Tyrrell has been chosen to serve as the new Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, following the election of the former leader, Cllr Claire Young, to represent the Parliamentary seat of Thornbury and Yate.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Tyrrell was elected by the full council. She will serve alongside co-leader Cllr Ian Boulton. The Partnership agreement between the Lib Dem and Labour council groups will continue.
At the same meeting, Cllr Simon Johnson was confirmed as taking over the cabinet responsibility for children and young people, previously held by Cllr Tyrrell.
Councillor Tyrrell said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen to lead South Gloucestershire Council. I promise to work every day with colleagues across the Partnership, and with all members, to bring to life our new Council Plan.
“We want to make South Gloucestershire fairer and greener. In the year since we were elected, we have made good progress, but the work is far from over and we will continue to work hard every day to make sure that we achieve the best for our residents and communities and support those who need us. I want to pay tribute to Cllr Young, who has been elected to represent part of our council area in parliament. The ground work she has laid out since May last year, gives us all a strong platform on which to build and deliver for everyone in South Gloucestershire.
“I am committed to the Partnership agreement that underpins this administration and will continue with the collaborative approach we have taken so far, to find the best ways together, to serve our communities.”
Councillor Boulton said: “I am delighted to work with Maggie. She has been a valued member of this council for many years and will be a strong advocate for people right across South Gloucestershire. Our partnership agreement will continue to work well, without missing a beat, as we carry on with the work we know we need to do together to make the changes local people want to see.”
Councillor Johnson said: “I am delighted to take on this role at an exciting but also challenging time. We know we have lots of work to do to ensure our services and the support we provide for young people and their families continues to improve. I look forward to carrying on the good work of Cllr Tyrrell and working closely with colleagues and staff as we continue on the improvement journey.”
Councillor Tyrrell has represented Thornbury on South Gloucestershire Council since it was first formed. She has held roles in health portfolios as well as the children and young people cabinet position.
Councillor Young remains a Ward Member for Frampton Cotterell.