THE Wyre Forest Labour Group has elected its new leader on the district council.

Councillor Liam Carroll, who represents the Offmore and Comberton ward in Kidderminster, has been appointed as leader of the local branch of the Labour party.

It follows the resignation of former leader Leigh Whitehouse, who is now an independent councillor on Wyre Forest District Council.

During a meeting on February 7, the group elected councillor Liam Carroll as leader and councillor Mary McDonnell as deputy leader.

Councillor Liam Carroll said: “As Labour Group Leader I will continue to work hard to serve the residents from across Wyre Forest.

"I look forward to leading Wyre Forest Labour – I will work with the national party to support Labour’s five missions locally. I am committed to working closely with councillors Mary McDonnell and Jackie Griffiths to represent our residents and to help secure more Labour councillors in this year’s Kidderminster town council election.

"We will represent all the people of Wyre Forest so that no one is left behind."

Councillor Mary McDonnell added:  "I am pleased to have been elected as deputy leader of the Labour Group on WFDC and look forward to working closely with our new leader, Liam Carroll."

Labour now have three councillors on Wyre Forest District Council following councillor Whitehouse's resignation.

In a statement earlier this month, councillor Whitehouse, who represents the Blakebrook and Habberley South Ward, said: "I have taken this decision as I wish to focus on my career and do not wish to be affiliated to a political party.

"It is right for me and moreover it is right for my family.

"I will no longer be bound by a political party line or policy and as such can better represent all residents in our ward, speaking from the heart on every single issue.

"I appreciate this will come as a surprise and perhaps a disappointment to some, however I assure you I will always be just a phone call or email away and will continue to serve you with the dedication I always have - no matter which political party you support.

"I will continue to work hard for every resident in my patch, standing up for what I feel is right and working tirelessly to bring about positive change".