Stratford district Conservatives back Daren Pemberton as new group leader

DAREN Pemberton is the new leader of the Conservative group at Stratford District Council.

Cllr Pemberton, who was first elected in 2001 and is the longest serving councillor at SDC, represents Bidford East.

He also represented the Bidford and Welford division at Warwickshire County Council over the last four years, but did not stand for re-election last week.

“I feel privileged to have been elected as the new Conservative leader and look forward to drawing on my extensive experience as both a district and county councillor to hold the current administration to account, alongside our team of dedicated councillors who all have a track record of supporting residents,” he said.

“In view of the recent changes at Warwickshire County Council, it is vital that there is a strong, experienced opposition that understands the needs of our communities to challenge the administration in ensuring that the forthcoming SWLP and local devolution plans for a unitary council deliver real benefits and make our residents' lives better.

“The Conservative group now has a seriously strong and united team in place to do just exactly that on behalf of all residents across the district.”

Cllr Pemberton takes over the role after the former Conservative group leader Sarah Whalley-Hoggins (Brailes and Compton) defected to Reform UK in March.

He has held various positions at SDC including deputy leader, planning portfolio holder and planning chair.

He also led the best value review at SDC in 2003, which introduced the first ever 35 per cent affordable housing policy and was also instrumental in launching the development of the South Warwickshire Local Plan (SWLP), which is being progressed by the current Lib Dem administration.