The City of York Council Conservative Group has elected Cllr. David Carr, Copmanthorpe Ward and Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, as its new Group Leader at an Extraordinary Group Meeting Wednesday night following the resignation of Cllr. Chris Steward from the post as a result of having suffered a stroke.
The vote, which was unanimous, means that subject to approval at the city’s Annual Council on 26 May, Cllr. Carr will take over as Leader of the Council from Cllr. Steward.
Cllr. Carr said “The Group’s thoughts first and foremost are with Chris Steward and his family. Chris has done a superb job as Leader steering both our group and, for the past year, our new coalition administration. We look forward to welcoming Chris back to active service as soon as his health allows.
“I consider it an honour to have the opportunity to lead the Conservative Group and I would like to thank my colleagues for their vote of confidence. I certainly don’t underestimate the challenges we face as a Council one year into our joint administration with the Liberal Democrats. I’m also aware of the challenges presented to me personally by this new role. However, I am confident that I have both the ability and energy to take on the Leadership and I very much look forward to the challenge.”