Ross becomes Trafford leader  

Cllr Tom Ross was sworn in as the council’s new leader yesterday, taking over from Andrew Western, who was elected as MP for Stretford and Urmston late last year. 

Western, who has been Trafford Council leader since 2018, will continue to be a ward councillor for Priory but decided to hand over the council reins following his by-election victory. 

Trafford’s Labour group then selected Stretford councillor Ross as his successor and the 41-year-old was officially sworn in at a full council meeting last night. 

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to be elected as council leader,” Ross said. 

“We will use every opportunity to grow our economy and to make this borough a safe, green, and inclusive home for all the people we represent.” 

Ross, who has been Trafford’s executive member for finance and governance since 2019, has pledged to prioritise boosting the borough’s cultural offering and the delivery of affordable homes. 

On climate change, he said the council’s commitments “must remain unswerving”. 

He added: “The work starts now and I will lead an administration that relentlessly focuses on creating economic opportunities, social justice and environmental sustainability.”