Bailey to take over from Jones at Cheshire East Council

The Cheshire East Conservative Group has announced that its new leader will be Cllr Rachel Bailey, ward member for Audlem, replacing Cllr Michael Jones who stepped down in December following allegations of improper conduct.

The decision was taken at the group’s meeting on Thursday 14 January. Cllr Bailey beat the other leadership candidate, Cllr Janet Clowes, ward member for Wybunbury.

Cllr Bailey has been a Cheshire East councillor since May 2008 and is currently Cabinet Member responsible for children and families.

Cheshire East Council must ratify the decision of the Conservative Group and confirm Cllr Bailey as council leader. This is expected to be done at a full council meeting on 25 February.

Former Cheshire East Council leader Cllr Jones quit at the start of December after speculation grew around the appropriate award of contracts to a physiotherapy firm led by his personal physiotherapist.

A criminal investigation is currently underway into the contract awards to Core Fit, which were valued at around £150,000.