Maldon District Council’s new leader will head up plans to save £1.5 million a year

Conservative Adrian Fluker, who represents the Southminster ward, was appointed at an extraordinary meeting last Thursday.

His election was uncontested, with Maddie Thompson, of Tolleshunt D’Arcy ward, being elected as deputy leader of the council.

The former leader of the council, Mark Durham, who took up the position in May last year, stood down this month.

Mr Fluker will lead the council’s transformation programme which will see annual savings of approximately £1.5 million.

It is due to be implemented by October 2019 and includes investment in the authority’s IT systems of around £940,000.

Front line services are not under threat and services such as waste collections, recycling, and environment health will not be affected

Mr Fluker said: “As the new Leader of the Council, I am pleased to be given the opportunity to continue the work I started as deputy leader on the long-term transformation of the council which is intended to address the ongoing shortfall of £1.5m per year.

“As well as the transformation project, I am keen to see that the Local Development Plan delivers both affordable and social housing and the level of infrastructure and contributions that have been agreed.”

Mr Fluker said he would continue to work hard for the residents on Southminster.

He added: “I plan to work closely with Essex Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that the issues that most affect the residents of the district are addressed.

“I shall also be liaising with Essex County Council to ensure that the district gets fair funding for repairs to our roads, and I will continue to work hard for the residents of Southminster.”

In addition, Emma Foy has been reappointed as director of resources and Richard Holmes retains his position as director for service delivery.

Paul Dodson was appointed to the new position of director of strategy performance and governance.