Local Conservatives have elected Cllr Gary Ridley as the new Leader of the party in Coventry and he’ll become Leader of the Opposition at the Council House at the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 18th May. He’s joined by Cllr Allan Andrews who becomes Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Cllr Ridley replaces Cllr John Blundell who will become the city’s Deputy Lord Mayor later this month. His first task will be to appoint a Shadow Cabinet and fill a range of other positions and appointments. He was first elected in 2002 and served in the Cabinet between 2004 and 2010 when the Conservatives were in control at the Council House.
Speaking on his election Cllr Ridley said; “It’s an honour to lead Coventry Conservatives but one which comes with enormous responsibility. I think people are fed up with business as usual politics where politicians shout at each other as if it’s all a game. Under my leadership we’ll be an effective but responsible opposition working constructively for the good of the city. In the coming months we’ll set out a vision of hope and a programme of change to give citizens a real choice at next year’s local elections.”
Commenting, Cllr Allan Andrews, the new Deputy Leader of Coventry Conservatives, said: “I am thrilled to be back as Deputy Leader of Coventry Conservatives. We have a big role to play in holding the current Labour Council to account and in ensuring that our City forges a productive relationship with the newly elected Mayor, Andy Street. The city faces many challenges and Gary and I, both born and bred in Coventry, with the support of our colleagues, will do all we can to keep this great city of ours moving forward.”