Councillor Anthony Burns has been elected as St Helens Borough Labour Group Leader, after a vote at Labour’s annual group meeting this evening.

Councillor Burns, who represents Blackbrook ward and has served as cabinet member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, will formally take up the role of Council Leader at the annual council meeting on Wednesday 15th May. Cabinet appointments will also be declared at that meeting.

Councillor Burns will take over from David Baines, who is stepping down from the role after five years at the helm.

Cllr Burns says: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen as leader of St Helens Labour Group at this evening’s AGM. I have been humbled by all the kind words and by the support I have had and am truly grateful for the opportunity.

I would like to give special thanks to David for his excellent leadership over the last five years. He has left enormous boots to fill and has left a tremendous legacy. However, he has also left a great example to follow and laid the foundations of change that will deliver the best for all our borough.

The work starts now, and I promise I will give my very best. It is an honour to lead such a fantastic group of people who are all committed to making our borough the best it can be for every resident we represent.

I’ll say more in the coming weeks.”