New leader for Salisbury City Conservatives

The Conservative group on Salisbury City Council has elected a new leader after the resignation of Cllr Paul Cunningham last week. 

Cllr Charles McGrath, previous Deputy Leader of the group, was elected to the position at the group’s monthly meeting on Tuesday 3rd August. 

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr McGrath said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be elected the leader of the Conservative group on Salisbury City Council.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Paul for his expert leadership over the last two months. He has given us a clear platform to work from, putting common sense decision-making at the heart of what we do and working constructively with the other parties on the council.

“I came into local politics for one reason: to make Salisbury, the city I was born in and am proud to call home, a better place. Whether it’s revitalising hospitality or improving our roads and pavements, I can’t wait to work with the Conservative group and the council to make this a reality.”

At 25, Cllr McGrath is one of the youngest Conservative leaders in the country. Commenting on this Charles said:

“I hope I can bring a youthful perspective to the leadership group on the council. One issue raised to me since becoming a councillor is how we can attract more young people to live and work in our city, and I’m keen to make this a priority during my time as Leader.”

Also at the meeting, Cllr Ed Rimmer was elected Deputy Leader and will continue as the group’s Secretary.