LABOUR has a new leader in Rugby.
The Rugby Borough Council Labour Group has appointed Coun Louise Robinson as its new leader, and Coun Maggie O’Rourke as Deputy Leader.
She replaces Michael Moran, who decided not to run in last week’s local elections.
Coun Robinson said: “Thank you to those councillors for their trust and confidence in me as their new Leader.
“I have always lived locally and care deeply about this borough, its people, local businesses and public services.”
She thanked outgoing councillors Ramesh Srivastava, Alison Livesey and Michael Moran for their service.
She said: “Ramesh was first elected in 2003 and was Mayor in 2014, when his chosen theme was ‘unity and peace’.
“Alongside his council work, he has supported the wider community as an NHS non-executive director, school governor, magistrate and volunteer with the Benn Partnership Centre and Friends of St Cross Hospital. He has also been a huge source of support and encouragement to many newer councillors.
“Alison was a Cabinet Member with remarkable knowledge and a passion for protecting nature. As Chair of the Climate Emergency Working Group, Alison led public events to hear resident views on environmental issues; did important work on flood risk management; and introduced the River Champions scheme.
“Alison also led on improving Rugby’s performance on waste management and preparing the council and communities for food waste collections that start in June. Alison’s work will have a lasting impact.
“Michael led the Labour Group. He was the driving force behind Labour’s vision for a better, fairer, and greener Rugby. He nurtured a respectful and effective relationship with the Liberal Democrats to lead the Council with their support from 2024 to 2026. As council leader Michael ensured Labour’s vision became the council’s strategy. This included plans for town centre improvements – work he personally led alongside Liberal Democrat Leader, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse.
“The physical changes we will see in Rugby over the next few years are part of Michael’s legacy. Michael also fought to protect green space in and around Rugby, pushing for areas of protection at Cawston Spinney, Rainsbrook Valley, Clifton, Dunchurch and Thurlaston. Michael championed sports and worked to protect and improve facilities across the borough for future generations.”
The council, which was led by Labour in a minority administration supported by the Liberal Democrats prior to the elections, remains under no overall control.
Although the Conservatives remain the largest party with 15 councillors, Labour and the Lib Dems’ combined 24 seats would be enough to form a new administration, as the Conservatives and Reform can only muster 18 between them – four short of the number required for a majority.
Coun Robinson added: “Over the coming days there will be discussions about how the council moves forward. What matters most is that Rugby has stability, respectful politics and councillors who work together in the interests of local people.”
Coun O’Rourke said: “Rugby is strongest when people work together. There are important decisions ahead for local government and we want local communities to feel listened to and involved in shaping Rugby’s future.”
