Congratulations to Cllr David Mackintosh who has been elected the new Leader of the ruling Conservative Group on Northampton Borough Council. This was a council we gained control of in May this year for the first time in 20 years.
Cllr Mackintosh says:
“I am very proud to represent the town where I was born and grew up, and I will work tirelessly to drive forward the far reaching manifesto which we were elected to implement. It is important that we make a big difference to Northampton and continue to bring in more prosperity and jobs to the town.
"The Conservatives have already achieved a great deal since coming into office in May. For example we have introduced free parking for the first hour in many areas of the town where parking previously cost shoppers money. Where charges are still made, there has been a 25% reduction and on Sunday parking is free. In addition to this we have implements a new recycling regime and introduced Park Rangers and Neighbourhood Wardens to help maintain a clean and safe Northampton. We also want to lead by example and in doing so, allowances have been frozen for the next four years.
"It has also been a great privilege to serve as a Cabinet member on the County Council. These are challenging times for all Councils and we have faced unprecedented cuts in funding, which has meant we have had to take some difficult decisions. Such work is never easy, but we have always worked
well together as a team and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the County Council in my new role.
Cllr Jim Harker, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, says:
“I am obviously sad to see David leaving my Cabinet. He has worked hard in his role and helped raise the profile of the County Council at a national level. But I am sure he has a bright future ahead as Leader of the Borough Council and I look forward to working very closely with him.”