Cheshire East Labour have re-elected their leadership team.

Nick Mannion has been reappointed as leader for a second consecutive year.

Since he assumed the role last summer, the council administration has secured inclusion in the government's priority programme for devolution and progressed the delivery of the Local Government Association Improvement Plan.

Reflecting on his leadership over the past 12 months, councillor Mannion said: "I have shifted the leadership's focus from merely managing council processes to delivering strategic outcomes.

"I am dedicated to working with councillors across Cheshire East and placing them at the heart of policy decision-making."

Councillor Mannion, who has 30 years of experience in housing and regeneration, was elected to Cheshire East Council in 2015 as the Labour councillor for the Macclesfield West and Ivy ward.

Going forward, he is hoping to improve communications with residents and businesses across the borough.

He said: "As the visible and outward face of Cheshire East Council, I will face the challenges ahead and endeavour to put Cheshire East Council on a stable and sustainable financial footing."

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Laura Crane (Credit: CEC)

Laura Crane was also re-elected, as deputy leader of the Labour group.

"Many residents struggle to understand why essential services are being reduced or why road repairs are taking time," she said.

"We find ourselves in the same financial situation as many councils across the country. The transformation project is the key to unlocking the changes that will free up resources to reverse decline.

"We are optimistic for the future."

Rob Vernon was re-elected as Labour whip.

Councillors Stewart Gardiner and Liz Wardlaw (Credit: CEC)

Elsewhere, the Conservatives have appointed a new group leader after councillor Janet Clowes was forced to step down due to ill health.

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Her successor, Stewart Gardiner, has vowed to support the Labour/Independent administration but will also challenge the council when necessary.

He said: "I don't believe in objecting for objecting's sake.

"Where it is appropriate for us as the opposition to be supporting the administration in the interests of the general public, of course we'll do that.

"I want to build a team where all the talents are used, whether that is the wisdom of the longer serving members or the enthusiasm and new thinking of new faces on the council," he said.

Odd Rode councillor Liz Wardlaw is the Conservative group's new deputy.

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