East Cambridgeshire District Council

Strong communities and managed growth will be the key focus of the Leader Elect of East Cambridgeshire District Council.

Following the election of a new District Council last week, the Conservative Party maintained control of the District with a majority of eleven, after 25 Conservative, 10 Liberal Democrat and four Independent Councillors were elected.

Councillor Peter Moakes has since been elected as Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Conservative group and subject to a vote by all members, Cllr Moakes will be elected Leader of authority at Full Council on 24 May.

Councillor Peter Moakes, said: "It will be a real privilege to become Leader of the District Council on the 24 May. East Cambridgeshire is a fantastic place to live, work and enjoy and we have the expertise, skills and potential to become a really successful part of the East of England.

"I must first praise the work of Fred Brown who I succeed. He invested a huge amount of time and energy to ensure this Council was on a firm financial footing. We know as a Council we have to deliver real value for money for the local tax payer which is why the benefits of this strong position and the recent four year budget will be appreciated in the years ahead.

"There are undoubtedly challenges ahead but I believe that we will succeed as a district only by truly embracing the virtues of localism. We have seen through the Neighbourhood Panels and the Masterplans in Ely, Soham and Littleport how important it is to involve residents and the communities in their future. We have had some great feedback and contributions which have ensured that as we plan for future growth we do so with the support of the people.

"Managing future development is key to our hopes of prosperity, but it will not be a mad dash to build new homes. Real sustainable growth means developing the infrastructure as a priority, to create the jobs, support the new schools and community centres and to create places where people will want to live.

"We live in changing times and local government is also changing but I like to think East Cambridgeshire has welcomed this. We have seen the benefits of working in partnership through joining up with the successful Anglia Revenues Partnership and I am keen to see what other opportunities there are in the region to pool our resources and talent for the benefit of our residents.

"Finally, it goes without saying all of us who have been elected to serve on the District Council will work very hard for their communities. All of us know the responsibility we have been given and we accept it with humility and promise to work hard for the improvement of East Cambridgeshire."

ENDS

Notes for editors

For further information contact Tony Taylorson in the Communications Team on 01223 699285.

Political contacts: Councillor Peter Moakes (Con) 01353 659910