Crane remains in charge as Council meets for first time since election

Mark Crane has been re-elected to serve another term as leader of Selby District Council.

The decision follows a vote taken at the authority's first full council meeting since elections were held on May 7th.

Following the election, the Selby Conservatives group retained overall control of the council, taking 22 of the 31 seats. Labour remains the largest opposition group with eight councillors. They will sit alongside one independent.

Also confirmed at the meeting were the names of the councillors who will sit on the authority's ruling executive committee for the next four years. They are Cllr John Mackman, who will be deputy leader, Cllr Cliff Lunn, Cllr Chris Metcalfe and Cllr David Peart.

On his re-election as Leader, Cllr Mark Crane explained that the Council would be concentrating on a number of key priorities, “We want to provide better facilities for young people across the district. We also want to make Selby a great place to do business, a great place to live and a great place to make a difference, supported by a Council that delivers value for money. We’ll be building on our recent success to help support new business investment by raising the profile of the district and its offer, such as the recent opening of our new leisure centre, new investment in key development sites and our involvement in the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire.

“We know that supporting business is a key priority for people, and that’s why we’re pushing ahead with our focus on this.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Richard Sweeting has been elected to succeed Cllr John Cattanach as the council’s new chairman. Cllr Stephanie Duckett will be vice chair.

The role of chairman is largely ceremonial one whereby Cllr Sweeting will represent the district at a number of events and fundraisers over a one year period. He will be supporting three local charities during his chairmanship. They are the Tadcaster Voluntary Car Service, the Tadcaster branch of the Arthritis Research Campaign and Dementia Forward.

Outgoing chairman Cllr Cattanach raised over £14,000 during his tenure. The funds raised being shared amongst St Leonard’s Hospice, York Against Cancer and Selby District Vision.