Cllr Hans Mundry will therefore be Warrington’s Leader until at least May 2024.
Cllr Mundry is one of Warrington Borough Council’s longest-serving members, having first been elected in 1995 representing Westy, which was subsequently changed to the ward of Latchford East.
He was Mayor of Warrington in 2005/6, with the theme for his Mayoral year being “caring for families”, with the family focus being little surprise given his current occupation as a Youth Worker for Lancashire County Council.
Cllr Mundry became a member of the Cabinet (formerly the Executive Board) in 2015 as portfolio holder for transport, highways and public realm. As a Cabinet member, he has overseen the delivery of multiple significant highways, transport and infrastructure projects including the Centre Park Link, Warrington West train station and the new bus depot for Warrington’s Own Buses. Cllr Mundry was also instrumental in placing the order for 105 all-electric buses, due to hit Warrington’s roads in 2024.
Cllr Mundry currently represents Warrington on a number of outside bodies, including the Transport for the North board, Cheshire and Warrington Local Transport Body, the Manchester Port Health Authority and the Friends of Hilden.
Cllr Mundry said: “I'm very proud to take up the position of Leader of Warrington Borough Council. I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead, as our borough continues to evolve and grow.
“Warrington is a place like no other – and I have taken great heart from how we have responded to the challenges of recent years with resilience, community spirit and partnership. This gives us every reason to feel confident about our future.
“I have strong ambitions for Warrington. I want us to build on our strengths as a well-connected, business-friendly economic leader, to drive ahead with our net zero ambitions and to work with partners to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
“Crucial to this will be our ongoing work to support vibrant, safe and inclusive communities where every resident feels heard and valued and is able to take an active part in – and benefit from - Warrington’s growth.”
Deputy Leader appointed
Cllr Janet Henshaw was also approved as Deputy Leader.
Cllr Henshaw, who was first elected in 2021 as borough councillor for Great Sankey North and Whittle Hall, was appointed cabinet member for sustainability and climate change in 2022. In 2023 she also became responsible for Housing and Planning.
She has had numerous professional roles as a nurse, a social worker and as a solicitor at Citizens Advice, where she currently works. She has worked in many local authorities and was previously the Director of Legal Services for Merseyside Fire and Rescue, where she was also Monitoring Officer.
Cllr Henshaw said: “I’m delighted to have the backing of the Labour Group to become Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council. In fulfilling this new duty, I will draw upon my life experiences as a nurse, solicitor and carer for my late partner.
“Warrington is a resilient town, its people possess an extraordinary capacity to confront the most testing of challenges, from terrorism to COVID to the present day Cost of Living Crisis. As Deputy Leader, I will work tirelessly for the people of Warrington, ensuring our buoyant local economy continues to grow whilst doing my utmost to protect the services that vulnerable people rely on from further Conservative cuts.
“In shaping a new direction for our town in the coming weeks and months, as part of a new leadership team, my focus remains firmly on enhancing the well-being of all our neighbours and continuing to work in partnership with businesses and communities to tackle the climate crisis.”
In becoming Leader, Cllr Mundry will also formally agree the rest of the Cabinet in due course.