INDEPENDENT councillor John Gallagher is the new leader of Malvern Hills District Council.

He replaces Tom Wells, who announced he was stepping down earlier this month amid growing political unrest.

Cllr Gallagher’s Democratic Independent Group have formed a coalition with the Conservatives to take control of the council.

Tory group leader Jeremy Owenson is the new deputy leader of the council after the Green Party’s Natalie McVey was forced out by a vote of no confidence.

Cllr Owenson, nominated Cllr Gallagher to be the council’s new leader at a full council meeting last night (Tuesday, November 26).

He said: “He’s as frustrated as I am that after two years of the new council we’ve very little to show for it.

“He wants to make sure the remainder of the council term is used to deliver for our residents. He doesn’t want to use Malvern as a platform for national politics. He doesn’t want to use his role to boost his own ego.

“I, similarly, haven’t stood for county council. I joined the council to do local things for local people.

“I like John’s ideas, I like his honesty and I like his integrity.”

READ MORE: Malvern Hills District Council leader Tom Wells steps down

READ MORE: Malvern councillor Beverley Neilsen joins the Labour Party

Cllr Beverley Nielsen said Cllr Gallagher is an award-winning scientist who is originally from Glasgow but has lived in Malvern for 45 years.

Chairman Daniel Walton congratulated Cllr Gallagher on becoming leader.

He had earlier thanked Cllr Wells for his hard work and said it was “a shame” he had stepped down.

Cllr Gallagher increased the number of councillors on Malvern Hills District Council’s executive from 10 to 11. He said this is because he was concerned about the workload.

The number of portfolio holders is being reduced from six to five.

Cllr Owenson said: “Our purpose is to work in a collegiate way. There is no added cost in going to 11.

“If any councillors want to be part of the administration you’ll be welcomed with open arms.”

Paul Bennett, leader of the council’s Lib Dem group, said his party is not part of the new administration and will work hard to hold it to account.