Stockport council's new leader made a key pledge during a town hall meeting to confirm his appointment.

Cllr Mark Roberts has taken over as council leader, after stepping up to replace his Lib Dem colleague, Cllr Mark Hunter.

The move was confirmed at a meeting on May 20 where Mr Roberts outlined his approach to leading the borough.

The new leader urged all councillors to work together for the benefit of residents, saying that "no single [political] group or party has a monopoly on good ideas."

Stockport council is under no overall control, but is led by the Lib Dems under a minority administration.

Cllr Roberts added: "We may not always agree and life would be boring if we did, but the people of Stockport expect us to listen, to debate, and above all to act in their best interest, and that is my pledge to you, and that is my ask of all of you."

Cllr Mark Roberts and Cllr Jilly Julian are the new leader and deputy leader of Stockport Council respectively (Image - Stockport Council)

In March, ex-council leader Mark Hunter announced his plan to step down after his second stint in charge.

Mr Hunter brought the Lib Dems close to gaining full control of Stockport council at last year's local elections, with the party falling just one seat short of a majority.

New council leader Mark Roberts is no stranger to the inner workings of local government, having served as deputy leader under his predecessor.

Cllr Jilly Julian steps up as the council's new deputy leader, as well as holding on to her role as cabinet member for finance and resources.

There are also changes on the other side of the council chamber, with Cllr Christine Carrigan taking over as the new leader of the opposition and Labour group, and the formation of Stockport Community Group, which is made up of councillors from the Edgeley Community Association, and two former Labour members sitting as independents.

A new council leader has also brought changes to the cabinet team, which is made up of councillors responsible for the key decisions across a range of issues including housing, health, finances, and more.

Stockport council's new cabinet team includes:

• Cllr Mark Roberts (Bredbury Green and Romiley) – council leader
• Cllr Jilly Julian (Cheadle East and Cheadle Hulme North) – deputy leader and finance and resources
• Cllr Dan Oliver (Offerton) – communities, culture and public protection
• Cllr Grace Baynham (Norbury and Woodsmoor) – parks, highways and transport services
• Cllr Wendy Meikle (Hazel Grove) – children, families and education
• Cllr Helen Foster-Grime (Cheadle Hulme South) – health, wellbeing and adult social care
• Cllr Micheala Meikle (Marple North) – economy, regeneration and skills
• Cllr Jake Austin (Hazel Grove) – housing and environment

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