Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Hunter is elected as council leader for the next 12 months.

Cllr Hunter is also leader of the Liberal Democrat group, which currently controls 29 seats. An unexpected resignation from Cllr Aron Thornley reduced the number from 30, but the party nonetheless remains the largest.

Lib Dem councillor Mark Roberts proposed the motion, which was unanimously agreed. "It gives me great pleasure to propose Cllr Mark Hunter as leader of the council", he said.

"His experience and knowledge of the role is unmatched in this chamber, and he has the full faith of our [Lib Dem] group behind him."

Before the meeting, Cllr Mark Hunter told Stockport Nub News that the plan for the ensuing 12 months was to "keep up the good work".

He also expressed his delight at Stockport winning the accolade of Greater Manchester's town of culture, somthing he reiterated in a later speech to the chamber.

In the same speech - which followed Cllr Roberts' motion - Cllr Hunter also added: "I am proud that this accolade has come to Stockport, and of all the work that has been done by a vast number of people to get us over the line.

"I am sure, given the plans that we already have in hand, that we will make a great success of it."

Speaking more generally of plans for the next year, the new council leader said: "It is a privilege to serve. I am positive and ambitious about what we can achieve.

"Stockport is already a great place to live and work, but we can make it better."

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