THERE is no denying Michael Jones has left some hefty shoes to fill following his shock departure earlier this year.

The divisive leader announced his resignation last December following a furore over contracts awarded to his personal physiotherapist’s firm, Core Fit Ltd.

He had faced calls to resign from fellow Conservatives, including Cllr Hilda Gaddum, mayor of Cheshire East Council (CEC), who also accused Cllr Jones of bullying, which he denied.

Cllr Jones kept his seat on CEC as the ward member for Bunbury.

Cllr Rachel Bailey, portfolio holder for children and family services, was voted in as the council’s new leader following a landslide victory in February.

And now Cllr Bailey is ready to put her own stamp on the role.

“Different styles of leadership are appropriate at different times,” Cllr Bailey told the Guardian. “Michael’s leadership has been visionary.

“First and foremost I’m a woman, and it’s time for a bit of femininity. Secondly it’s about building on the vision of Michael and ensuring commitment to that vision.

“I’m a woman, I’m a mother. Cheshire East is in effect a family, it’s about nurturing that family and enabling them to be the best.”

The new council leader claimed to be Cllr Jones’ ‘greatest critic but biggest supporter’.

Cllr Bailey said she could be equally as tough as her predecessor, who was often accused of using bullying tactics.

Cllr Bailey praised Cllr Jones’ tireless work ethic and ‘futuristic vision’.

Part of that was bringing HS2, and the proposed hub station to Crewe.

“Crewe is a railway town, it’s a railway town historically because of its geographical positioning. Nothing has changed, all be it we’re no longer in the era of steam, we’re in the era of HS2.

“Crewe is the gateway to the north west.”

While Cllr Bailey is keen to forge her own legacy, one thing she is determined to do is follow through on the promises of HS2.

She said: “As leader of Cheshire East I feel it’s absolutely vital that I pick up the reins from the work of Michael Jones in bringing HS2 to Crewe.

“As a local authority, and not least having the privilege as leader, it’s about ensuring that dream, that belief is delivered to the people of Crewe.”