THE new leadership of Malvern Hills District Council has promised a 'revolution' in the way the authority is run.

Those were the words of Cllr Tom Wells, who was chosen as the new leader of the organisation at a meeting on May 10.

Cllr Wells, from the new Democratic Independent Group, promised to work alongside all the groups represented on the council, with no group currently holding a clear majority.

Currently there are 12 councillors in the new Democratic Independent Group, 12 Conservatives, four Greens, four Liberal Democrats, three in the 'Malvern Hills Independents' and one in what was the Democratic Alliance.

READ MORE: How the balance of power now sits on the council

He said: "This is a revolution. One I hope will spread to the other Worcestershire district councils as a better way of running local government"

In addition to Cllr Wells being chosen as leader, Cllr Natalie McVey from the Green group was chosen as deputy.

She promised to support Cllr Wells "as best as I can in the revolution" adding: "I am a strong advocate for working collaboratively across the political spectrum to deliver positive outcomes for the people and area of the Malvern Hills.

"Key areas will include tackling inequality, safeguarding the most vulnerable in our communities and protecting and enhancing our green spaces."

20 councillors voted in favour of Cllr Wells, with 14 votes against.

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Conservative leader Cllr Jeremy Owenson was put forward against Cllr Wells, who acknowledged the importance of Malvern's 12 Tory councillors in decision making.

He added: "To the Conservatives: there is no larger group on the council than you - you have to be taken seriously, so I will."

He also made an appeal to West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, saying the council should have a better relationship with the town's MP.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Daniel Walton, who nominated Cllr McVey as deputy leader, said it puts the administration in a "strong position" in its final year.

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He said: "The Council is in a very strong position for it’s final year of this administration. 

"I’m pleased we’ve been able to get to a point where our group, the Greens and Malvern Hills Independents have been able to put together this strong and experienced leadership team and ensure that everyone, across the council, is involved in delivering for our communities across the district."

In addition to a new leader, the council also gained a new chairman and deputy, with Cllr John Michael and Cllr Barbara Jones-Williams taking over from Cllr Cynthia Palmer.