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 they have elected Councillor Serena Croad as their leader with. Councillor Ralph Madden as the Deputy Leader.

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 which is chaired by Serena Croad.

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 - see Inviting the Chairman for more details.

In May this year Councillor Mrs Shelia Young was nominated by her fellow councillors into the role and she will hold the title until May 2009. Councillor Reg Farmer 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.