Northumberland County Council’s Independent Group has elected a new group leader. Coun Malcolm Robinson will take over from founding member Coun Derek Kennedy following a leadership contest.
With seven councillors, the Independent Group is the fourth-largest group on the council behind the Tories, Reform and Labour. It was formed four years ago by Coun Kennedy and Coun Georgina Hill, and has members across the county.
Coun Robinson, the councillor for Bedlington West ward, said: “I would like to thank Councillor Kennedy for his efforts as Group Leader over the last few years and look forward to the challenges ahead – there does seem to be some substantial ones.
“I would like to work with all other NCC members irrespective of parties to further the interests of all of our Northumberland residents. Once elections are over we should be exclusively concentrating on doing the best job we can on behalf of those same residents.
“In fact, if any other council members would like to work solely on behalf of their residents, instead of balancing that against the needs and wants of any party political group, then please feel free to get in touch. You won’t be told how to vote, what to think and what to say, your instincts and integrity are all that are needed.
“Independent members at Northumberland County Council have always been the most vocal opposition to various administrations over the last few terms. That’s plain to see at just about all meetings where challenge is needed – that’s certainly not going to change.”
Group leaders are given priority to ask questions at full council. They also receive a special responsibility allowance from the council of around £11,000.
Coun Kennedy has said he will remain in the group despite losing the leadership.
He said: “We have got the group into a really good space. I think we have been really effective as an opposition group.
“I put my name forward to continue that work but Coun Robinson had other thoughts about where the group should go. We had our AGM and Malcolm was supported by more members.”
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