New Labour group leader eyes next council elections

Rosemary Dartnall was chosen to succeed Julia Buckley

Labour have chosen a new leader on Shropshire Council to replace Shrewsbury's recently elected MP.

Julia Buckley had led the group since May 2021, but chose to step down after she was elected to Parliament last week.

Her replacement, Rosemary Dartnall, said she would look to target the Conservatives' slim majority of just four councillors in the local elections next May.

The councillor, who represents Shrewsbury's Bayston Hill, Sutton and Column ward, added it had "never been more important to challenge the current administration".

Dr Buckley secured almost 45% of the vote as she took the seat with a majority of more than 11,000 over Conservative incumbent Daniel Kawczynski.

Speaking shortly after her election last week, she confirmed she would continue as a councillor for Bridgnorth West and Tasley for the time being.

Ms Dartnall promised to "continue the important work of holding Shropshire Council’s Conservative administration to account".

Her first full council meeting as Labour group leader will be on 18 July.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.