MALVERN District Council’s leader has raised concerns about some of the relationships at the authority.

Cllr Tom Wells was speaking after he was re-appointed leader of Malvern Hills District Council at Tuesday night's annual meeting.  

And as he wrapped up his acceptance speech, Cllr Wells warned his fellow members to make sure Malvern Hills didn’t get caught in the crossfire of an election year. 

In total, 18 councillors voted for Cllr Wells to retain his position as council leader, with nine abstentions. 

Cllr Natalie McVey also retained her position as deputy leader. 

Liberal Democrat Cllr Wells said what made Malvern Hills Council different from other authorities was the fact it didn’t define itself in terms of administration and opposition. 

He added: “I hope and pray that all 31 of us have an opportunity to create policy and implement it.

“This is a council about relationships, both between members and between us and officers. 

“Those relationships need to be carefully looked after, if they begin to fail the council is less productive. 

“Recently I’ve been concerned about those relationships, there have been examples recently where we have played the man but not the ball."

He added he would present a report to the chamber later in the summer about how he proposes to ‘reinvigorate full council’ and make it more purposeful. 

“I think it’s really important to have debate in this council chamber.

“Let’s keep positive, I know it’s an election year and I know there will be those that have ambition in that election and others who are supporting candidates elsewhere so can we just make sure Malvern Hills doesn’t get caught up in the crossfire?”

Elsewhere in the meeting, Cllr Daniel Walton was elected as the council's new chairman.

Cllr Walton has served as Cllr Barbara Jones-Williams's deputy chairman over the past 12 months.  

Cllr Jones-Williams has just completed her third spell in the chairman's hot seat.