Councillor sees off leadership challenge after election

Warrington Council leader Hans Mundry said he was looking forward "to being able to get on with the job"

A council leader has seen off a leadership challenge which came just days after the election.

Warrington Borough Council’s leader Hans Mundry faced a challenge for his role from deputy leader Janet Henshaw.

But Mr Mundry won the vote at the Labour group's annual general meeting on Tuesday.

The election saw Labour retain control of the council and increase its majority by six.

New deputy leader

Labour now has 42 of the 58 seats on the council.

Mr Mundry said: “It’s an honour that members of the Labour group have put their trust in me again to serve as their leader for another four years."

He said he wanted to thank all those who voted for Labour on Thursday and he looked forward "to being able to get on with the job".

Mr Mundry retained his Latchford East seat in the election, while deputy leader Ms Henshaw retained her Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall seat.

Meanwhile, Janet Henshaw lost her role at the same meeting after councillors Jean Flaherty and Tom Jennings threw their hats in the ring.

Ms Flaherty is to become the new deputy leader.