New leader confirmed

The new leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council is confirmed as Cllr Les Topham. An extraordinary meeting of the council was held today, following the resignation last month of former leader Cllr Chris Saint.

Cllr Topham was today elected unopposed into the post. His term will last until the next annual meeting of the council on 18 May.

Cllr Topham was first elected onto the district council in 1996 and represents the Sambourne Ward. He was chairman of the council in 2001-2. Born in Birmingham, he spent most of his career at British Leyland and now runs his own gardening centre near Studley, Warwickshire.

Married to Gillian, he lists collecting Jaguar cars, and playing the piano and organ as his hobbies.

For an attributable quote from Cllr Topham, please call 01527 853273.