The Conservative Group at Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC) has appointed Councillor Daren Pemberton as its leader for the new municipal year.
Daren was first elected in 2001, representing Bidford-on-Avon as a district councillor, and is the longest serving councillor at SDC having held numerous positions including Deputy Leader, Planning Portfolio Holder and Planning Chair. He also represented the Bidford and Welford division for Warwickshire County Council over the last four years, but did not stand for re-election in last week’s local elections.
He also led the best value review at SDC in 2003, which introduced the first ever 35% affordable housing policy and was also instrumental in launching the development of the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP), which is being progressed by the current administration.
Commenting Daren said: “I feel privileged to have been elected as the new Conservative leader and look forward to drawing on my extensive experience as both a district and county councillor to hold the current administration to account, alongside our team of dedicated councillors who all have a track record of supporting residents.
“In view of the recent changes at Warwickshire County Council, it is vital that there is a strong, experienced opposition that understands the needs of our communities to challenge the administration in ensuring that the forthcoming SWLP and local devolution plans for a unitary council deliver real benefits and make our residents' lives better. The Conservative group now has a seriously strong and united team in place to do just exactly that on behalf of all residents across the district”, he added.
