The former leader of Trafford council has been appointed chairman of a social housing trust.

Sean Anstee, former leader of Trafford Conservatives and Trafford council  between 2014 and 2018, has been appointed the new group chair of Trafford Housing Trust.

Part of the L&Q Group, the trust is a not-for-profit social housing association that owns and manages 9,000 homes in the North West.

It has plans to build a further 20,000 new homes over the next ten years.

Mr Anstee will replace outgoing chair Edna Robinson, who is stepping down at the end of September having completed her term of office.

He will also be joining the group board of L&Q, having already been a member of L&Q’s audit and risk committee.

The trust described Mr Anstee as ‘one of the most influential voices in housing’, and he has been a non-executive director of Trafford Housing Trust since April 2014.

Alongside his latest role as executive director for Cratus Communications, he sits on the board of the National Housing Federation and is a governor and chair of the finance and resources committee at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Mr Anstee played a key role in the development of the Northern Powerhouse policy with central government and he negotiating the Greater Manchester Agreement.

Mr Anstee said: “I am delighted to be succeeding Edna as chairman of the trust on October 1 and joining the L&Q group board.  Improving our homes and building new ones is vital as we play our part in tackling the housing crisis, not just here in Trafford, but across the North West.

“My key priorities are listening to and looking after our customers, engaging more with our key partners, and setting even higher standards for our existing homes and the services we provide.

“I am hugely honoured to be taking this position and I look forward to starting the role later this year.”

Larry Gold, chief executive of Trafford Housing Trust, said: “I am extremely pleased that Sean has agreed to chair our board.  I have worked with him since he became a non-executive director at the trust six years ago, and his understanding of and insight into the housing sector has proved invaluable.

“He has great passion for Manchester and the North West, and I have no doubt he will continue to be a driving force behind the Trust as we continue to tackle the housing crisis.”

Mr Gold also gave his thanks to Edna Robinson for chairing the board since 2013

He said: “I’m sure I am joined by everyone at the trust when I wish her well for all future endeavours.”

David Montague, group chief executive of L&Q, said: “Sean has a wealth of knowledge and experience in housing, and is highly influential and respected across the North West.

“I’m sure he will build on the excellent work of Edna Robinson, and also bring great passion and expertise to L&Q’s group board as together we work to address the need for more affordable housing in the North West and invest in local communities.”

Mr Anstee will take up his new role on October 1.