The Leader and Chairman of the Council
The Leader of the Council is the most
senior politician from the political party which has the majority
of votes. In the case of Malvern Hills District Council the current
leading party is the Conservatives and the Leader of the Council is
Councillor Phillip Grove.
The leader is responsible for spearheading policy implementation
and managing the Council’s priorities and vision. The Leader is
also the Council’s link with Central Government and they represent
the Council on a number of partnership projects and initiatives;
such as the Malvern Hills Partnership.
The Chairman of the Council is the
civic and ceremonial head of the Council; chosen by Council to
represent the organisation across the district, be the impartial
chair of meetings, support local community projects.; and attend
local events.
In June this year Councillor
Michael Soley was nominated as Chairman by his fellow
councillors and he will hold the title until May 2011.
Councillor Paul Tuthill was nominated to take on the role
of Vice-Chairman.
Although the Chairman of the Council is usually a member of a
political party themselves, when they take on the official role of
Chairman they agree to be apolitical for the year. This is because
the Chairman of the Council is expected to be the ‘balancer’ in
council meetings and ensure all political parties are represented
equally. It is also important to note that when it comes to ward
related business, the Chairman has no enhanced decision making
powers – they voice their opinion like any other Councillor.
