Cllr Tom Ross is the new leader of Trafford Council following Andrew Western’s election to Parliament.
Cllr Western, who has been leader since 2018, was elected MP for Stretford and Urmston at last Thursday’s by-election. He will continue to be a ward councillor for Priory but has decided to hand over the Council reins.
Cllr Ross, who is currently Executive Member for Finance and Governance, has been elected as the new leader of the ruling Labour Group.
A special full meeting of Trafford Council will be held on Wednesday 4 January, when the new leader will be confirmed.
Cllr Ross, who has represented Stretford Ward since May 2008, grew up in Timperley and attended Heyes Lane Infant & Junior School and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys.
In 2010 he was Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Altrincham & Sale West.
Cllr Western said: “It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to lead Trafford Council. In my time as leader, we have gone through so much as a borough and I am overwhelmed by how we have worked together to help support people.
“In particular, our work to support people during Covid has been an amazing achievement. From scratch, we worked with partners to create hubs across our communities. These were where people having to isolate could get food, emergency assistance, help – or just have a chat with our team.
“It showed Trafford at its best.”
