Councillor Helen Dyke appointed leader of Wyre Forest District Council

Councillor Helen Dyke has been elected as leader of Wyre Forest District Council.

The appointment of Councillor Dyke follows Councillor Graham Ballinger's announcement in February, that he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the municipal year.

Jane Bonnick, led the council from 1994 until 1996, and when she decided to step down in 1996 she encouraged Councillor Dyke to stand for election for her seat in the Aggborough and Spennells ward. Now 25 years later Councillor Dyke still represents the electorate of this ward.

The only other woman to lead the council was Elizabeth Davies in 2002.

Councillor Dyke was appointed deputy leader in January, having been on the cabinet since May 2019 when the Progressive Alliance administration was formed. She has been a cabinet member previously and held other senior positions on the council, including chairing the overview and scrutiny committee.

Cabinet members remain unchanged with Councillor Nicky Martin with responsibility for housing, Health, wellbeing and democratic services, Councillor John Thomas for operational services, Councillor Mary Rayner for finance and capital portfolio, and Councillor Graham Ballinger for culture, leisure and community safety. He will also take on the role as deputy leader.

Councillor Dyke said: "This is a really exciting time to be leader of the council.

"I know it is going to be a challenge, but one I am looking forward to and I am up for!

"Those who know me, know I am passionate about our town centres and supporting a successful local economy is one of the council’s priorities.

"We are also focussing on creating a safe, clean and green living environment in the district and our localism agenda is going well too, bringing services closer to communities.

"I would like to thank Councillor Ballinger for all he has done in leading the council over the past two years and I look forward to continue to work with him as a member of my cabinet."