THE new leader of Malvern Hills District Council has called for a better working relationship with the town's MP.

Cllr Tom Wells was speaking at a meeting on May 10 where he was elected leader of MHDC for the next 12 months.

Speaking after his election, he called on West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin to get in touch, saying there were key issues they need to discuss.

He said: "We need to establish a better working relationship with our MP.

"I am sending out the message that I want to do business with Harriett Baldwin.

"It is really important we have that relationship with some difficult business coming our way with the SWDP and Malvern Hills College.”

In response, Mrs Baldwin said she had already moved to make contact with Cllr Wells formally.

She said: "I completely agree that local residents get better results when the district council and Member of Parliament work together.

"When it became clear that the council was going to change leadership, I scheduled a catch up and I already have a date in the diary for a meeting in for next week.

"I look forward to meeting the new leader then."

At the meeting, a new leadership was established for the council, which has no group large enough for a clear majority.

Having been elected, Cllr Wells appealed for groups including the Conservatives, the joint largest bloc, to help guide the council through to next year's elections.

He also reached out to his former colleagues in the Liberal Democrat group, who left the administration last year.

He said: "I want to thank everyone who supported me and speak to those who felt unable to do so.

"My message to the Conservatives is that there is no larger group than you - you need to be taken seriously, so I will.

"I'll also work to convince my Lib Dem friends they can support me again."