Conservatives select new Peterborough council leader

Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, who was previously deputy leader on Peterborough City Council, will replace John Holdich in the role.

Mr Holdich did not seek re-election in the recent local elections which saw the Conservatives increase their number of councillors from 28 to 29 out of 60.

The result of the elections means that Cllr Fitzgerald - member for West ward and cabinet member for adult social care, health and public health - is likely to be chosen as the new council leader when Full Council meets on Wednesday, May 26, extending the Conservatives’ time in office which began in 1999.

Cllr Steve Allen, member for Eye, Thorney and Newborough and cabinet member for housing, culture and recreation, has been chosen as deputy leader of the Conservative group.

Following the AGM, Cllr Fitzgerald, who is also chairman of the Peterborough Conservative Association, tweeted: “A big thank you to all my Conservative colleagues for putting their trust in me tonight and electing me as Conservative Group Leader in Peterborough. Congratulations also to my friend and colleague @CllrSteveAllen on being appointed as deputy leader of the group.”

Former MP for Peterborough Stewart Jackson tweeted: “Congratulations @Cllrfitzgerald and @CllrSteveAllen elected as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group on

@PeterboroughCC tonight and hopefully of the City Council later this month. A new era now begins for #Peterborough.”

Other parties are due to hold their AGMs in the coming days.