MICHAEL Jones has been elected as the new leader of Cheshire East Council.

The Conservative, who represents Bunbury ward, headed the poll with 48 of the 73 votes cast at the full council meeting yesterday, Wednesday.

Clr Jones, who joined the council in May 2011, will now chair the cabinet and lead the Conservative Group.

Clr Ken Edwards (Labour) received 14 votes and Clr Arthur Moran (independent) received 10 votes and there was one ‘unmarked’ vote.

Upon election, Clr Jones offered his political rivals the opportunity for a new era of partnership working.

He said: “This is a time for us to put Cheshire East first.

"We want to be inclusive – include more people and work together to drive Cheshire East forward into a new dawn."

He added: "I would like to thank (former leader) Clr Fitzgerald for the excellent legacy he has left for me to take forward.

"It has been a pleasure working with him and I am thoroughly looking forward to building on his good work.

“I am honoured and proud to have the confidence of my party group and council members and be elected to lead Cheshire East."

Clr Jones unveiled his 10-strong cabinet team, which includes three new members – Clr Les Gilbert, Clr Barry Moran and Clr Peter Raynes.

He added: "My Cabinet has a core of the same strong, experienced and committed team – but with the addition of some new energy and talents."

Clr Jones also made a pledge: "Under my leadership, the council will be committed to nurturing strong communities, promoting business growth and job creation, modernising Cheshire East, ensuring value for money for taxpayers, getting things right first time, and developing civic pride and respect for our local environment.

"This council will work tirelessly and move forward to deliver for the people of Cheshire East – and make Cheshire East the best it can be."

The Cabinet members are:

● Cllr Michael Jones, Council Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet;

● Cllr David Brown, (Deputy Leader) responsibilities for strategic communities;

● Cllr Peter Raynes, responsibilities for finance;

● Cllr Rachel Bailey, responsibilities for communities and regulatory services;

● Cllr Hilda Gaddum, responsibilities for children and family services;

● Cllr Janet Clowes, responsibilities for health and adult social care;

● Cllr Rod Menlove, responsibilities for environment;

● Cllr Jamie Macrae, responsibilities for prosperity and economic regeneration.

● Cllr Barry Moran, responsibilities for performance;

● Cllr Les Gilbert, responsibilities for corporate policy;