Council appoints first female leader

Kath Perry MBE has served on South Staffordshire Council for 30 years

South Staffordshire Council has elected its first female leader after her predecessor decided to retire from heading up the authority.

Conservative councillor Kath Perry MBE, who represents Great Wyrley, said she was incredibly proud and honoured to have been given the opportunity.

Councillor Roger Lees, who has vacated the role he held since 2021, will continue as a ward councillor.

The vote for a new leader was taken on Tuesday, with no votes against Ms Perry’s appointment, but Green Party and Liberal Democrat members abstained from voting.

Ms Perry, who has served on the authority for three decades, paid tribute to previous leaders following her election.

She said: "I am the first woman on South Staffordshire Council to be given this opportunity and I would like to say thank you to you all for your hard work and commitment."

The new leader added: "I will treat this role with the importance and respect it commands, and I will do everything I can to maintain the effective leadership this council deserves."

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