South Gloucestershire’s Conservatives have elected a new leader following last week’s disastrous local elections. Cllr Sam Bromiley, previously cabinet member for children and young people, has been chosen by the party to replace outgoing council and group leader Cllr Toby Savage, who has stepped down from local politics following the birth of his second child and did not stand at the polls on Thursday, May 4.
The Tories lost 10 of their 33 seats, along with their majority in the chamber after eight years as the ruling group. The authority went into No Overall Control, with the Lib Dems and Labour still locked in talks to try to form a coalition. Frenchay & Downend ward Cllr Liz Brennan has been appointed Conservative group deputy leader, while Cllr Erica Williams, who was cabinet member for education, skills and employment, will be deputy leader of South Gloucestershire Council if the Tories end up forming a minority administration.
Last Sunday, Parkwall & Warmley ward Cllr Bromiley accused the Lib Dems and Labour of thrashing out “dodgy deals in backrooms” when he appeared on BBC1’s Politics West. The father-of-one, who grew up in a Hanham council house and now lives in Warmley with his family, said: “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for putting their faith in me and selecting me as their group leader.
Read more: Lib Dems and Labour accused of 'dodgy deals in backrooms' to run South Gloucestershire Council
“I will commit my best efforts to ensuring the Conservative group continues to offer the very best to the people of South Gloucestershire. We can be extremely proud of everything we have achieved over the past four years, with the retention of free parking in all council car parks, hitting record recycling rates, raising attainment in schools through record investment levels and so much more.
“Under my leadership, I will work hard to ensure these achievements continue. I would also like to pay tribute to our previous leader, Toby Savage, who did such a brilliant job of leading the group and the council during his tenure.”
If Labour and the Lib Dems agree to form a joint administration, Cllr Bromiley will be the opposition leader.
Read next:
Local election results in full amid 'desperately sad' night for the Tories
Local election results at South Gloucestershire Council listed in full ward by ward
Outgoing Tory council leader says results are 'clearly disappointing'
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