New Labour leader elected to run city council

A new Labour leader of a city council has been elected after the previous post-holder stepped down to concentrate on being a ward councillor.

Cameron Holloway, who represents the Newnham ward on the authority, was formally elected during the council's annual meeting on Thursday.

Mike Davey, the authority's former leader, announced his intention to step down in March, in order to also spend more time with his family.

Holloway, who served as the executive councillor for community safety, homelessness and wellbeing, said his priority "will always be to serve our community to the best of my abilities".

He added that he would "work tirelessly to ensure that every resident's voice is heard, to empower and support our communities, and to protect the environment – now and for future generations".

The Labour Party runs Cambridge City Council with 24 councillors; there are 12 Liberal Democrat councillors, five Green Party councillors and one Conservative member.

Rachel Wade, a Labour councillor who represents West Chesterton, was also appointed deputy leader of the council on Thursday.

Dinah Pounds, a Labour councillor who represents Romsey, was elected as ceremonial mayor of Cambridge at the same meeting.

Her deputy mayor will be Richard Swift, a Labour councillor for West Chesterton.

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