16 May 2023 – Following their excellent results in the local elections on 4 May, and following their current leader, Cllr Maggie O’Rourke commencing her role as Mayor of Rugby on 18 May, Rugby Labour’s Borough Councillors have elected a new leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Michael Moran (Admirals and Cawston Ward).

Cllr Moran, a local businessman and community campaigner, who was elected in May 2022, said:

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to take on the Leader’s role from Maggie O’Rourke and look to build on the excellent work she’s done in recent years.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong and diverse group of Councillors representing Labour at the Town Hall and my job now is both to hold the Conservatives to account and, more importantly, articulate a clear plan for a better, fairer and greener Rugby.

“After nearly 20 years of decline under the Conservatives it simply isn’t acceptable to offer more of the same.”

Cllr O’Rourke said: “The new leader has my full support and the Labour group is in very capable hands.”

Labour’s local election campaign this May was focused on five pledges to ‘Renew Rugby Together’:

1. Restore pride in our town
2. Protect & improve our environment
3. Improve local health & public services
4. Focus on education and youth engagement
5. Ensure housing is for the community

Read amore about the five pledges here.