Kirklees Conservatives elect Birstall and Birkenshaw councillor Joshua Sheard as new deputy leader
Despite losing seven seats to Reform UK at the Kirklees Council elections, representatives for the Conservative Party have promised that “hard work will resume” following the appointment of the new group leader and deputy leader.
At the party’s annual general meeting, it was “unanimously decided” that Coun John Taylor (Kirkburton) would be the new leader, with Coun Joshua Sheard (Birstall and Birkenshaw) acting as deputy.
Coun Taylor was first elected to represent the Kirkburton ward in 2015. Since then, he has successfully defended his seat for the last 11 years.
Coun Sheard has stepped into the role of deputy, following the legacy of his grandfather, retired councillor David Sheard.
In a statement, Coun Sheard said he was “extremely proud” to have been elected, and is determined to put “residents before party interests”.
The Conservatives finished with nine seats at the election earlier this month, down from the 16 the party held prior to the election.
This was part of a major shift in which the council remained in no overall control but Reform UK emerged as the largest party.
Announcing the appointment of Couns Taylor and Sheard to the new roles, Coun Richard Smith said: “As John’s ward colleague for the last 10 years and someone I have worked closely with as group business manager for the last five years, I am sure this is the right decision for the future of our group.
“We are facing challenging times in a very different looking council but I am confident we can carry on achieving results for the people of Kirkburton ward and wider Kirklees.
“I would also like to congratulate Joshua Sheard on his election as our deputy leader.
“Josh is an extremely hard-working and enthusiastic councillor for Birstall and Birkenshaw and I was very happy to support him in becoming our deputy leader.”
Coun Smith also acknowledged the work of the previous group leader, David Hall, who lost his seat in Liversedge and Gomersal after 22 years on the council.
Coun Smith said: “I would also like to thank and pay tribute to Coun David Hall, our previous group leader.
“David was someone who always supported me in my early days as a councillor and did a great job leading our group for 10 years.”