Thursday 13 May 2021

It’s all change today with new leaders taking over at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and at the region’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner: 

In what was described as a Conservative coup, the group voted by a narrow majority to replace Cllr Richard Burton with Cllr Jonathan Owen as group leader.

Today’s AGM at Bridlington Spa sees him confirmed as Council leader together with a new deputy and cabinet.

Sources within the local Tory party described a serious rift of just under half supporting the former leadership; they have voiced fears of the new leader making a return to decision making behind closed doors. One insider told Beverley FM they’d be surprised if Councillor Owen survived the year as leader.

Meanwhile there’s a more orderly transition of Police and Crime Commissioner. Conservative Councillor Jonathan Evison takes over from Labour’s Keith Hunter, who lost out in the swing experienced at last week’s elections. Mr Hunter told us that he’s proud of his record which has seen a big increase in police numbers and vastly improved morale, together with other significant improvements. He said it created a firm foundation for the new Police and Crime Commissioner, who he wishes well and hopes will continue the journey of improvement. Read Keith Hunter’s full message.

Beverley Art Gallery is making final preparations to reopen its doors at the Treasure House next Monday with a brand new exhibition called ‘To the Water’ – Full story here