New Council Chairman and Leader elected
News release issued:
The new Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council was sworn in and a new Leader elected for the authority at its annual council last night (Wednesday 17 May).
Councillor Chris Rogers, a keen equestrian, has taken back the reins as Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council. He was Chairman of Worcestershire County Council in 2022-2023 and previously chaired Wyre Forest District Council between 2015 and 2016.
The Chairman said:
“It’s a real honour and privilege to be in this role again. When I’m out and about I represent the Council in all my activities and I am very proud to be doing so back where I live, in Wyre Forest.”
As well as chairing meetings Councillor Rogers will be representing the district at a wide range of functions. He is the civic face of the council at community, faith and charity events as well as at formal openings.
It was Councillor Rogers’s passion for supporting countryside issues which took him into politics in 2003. He has been a Wyre Forest District councillor for 12 years and currently represents Mitton ward, in Stourport.
He brings significant and varied experience to the role of Chairman. He started his working life as a motorbike racer but he moved onto other jobs including a music journalist, a sound engineer and latterly running an IT department until 1998.
During his term as Chairman, Councillor Rogers will be raising money for The Midlands Air Ambulance.
He said:
“I can’t think of a more worthy charity to receive these funds. Quite simply they save lives. Whether that’s someone in dire straits trapped in an agricultural accident or someone freed by emergency services buried in a motorway pile-up. Those minutes in the air ambulance are the difference between life and death. It’s a cause close to my heart.”
Organisations that would like advice on inviting the Chairman to attend an event should contact ESO@wyreforestdc.gov.uk
Councillor John Byng, who represents Wribbenhall and Arley, is Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2023/24.
During the meeting, Councillor Marcus Hart was elected Leader of the Council. Councillor Hart, who represents Wyre Forest Rural, will be in the position until the annual meeting after the elections in May 2027.
He said:
“I am honoured to be elected Leader of the Council again. I will draw on my experience of being Leader for five years from 2014-2019. Now the hard work begins on delivering on our manifesto commitments and ensuring the future prosperity and continued regeneration of our district. We will be delivering the best possible services that are important for people living in, working in and visiting the district.”
Councillor Hart has announced that his Cabinet will be:
Councillor Ian Hardiman, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Health and Well-being
Councillor Ben Brookes, Cabinet Member for Operational Services
Councillor Dan Morehead, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety
Councillor David Ross, Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Portfolio.
Full details of the Cabinet portfolios can be found on our democratic structure webpage.
There have also been changes to some of the committees. Details of the committees’ responsibilities and the Chairs and Vice Chairs are available on our council structure webpage.