A Liberal Democrat councillor elected to Trafford Council last year is now the leader of the local party.

Shaun Ennis is replacing Julian Newgrosh, the leader for the last four years, after a selection this week.

The Lib Dems have six councillors on Trafford Council, all of them across Timperley Central and Timperley North, two of whom are Cllr Ennis and Cllr Newgrosh. The others are Jane Brophy, Meena Minnis, Simon Lepori and Will Frass.

The Messenger understands there was no call for a change of leadership but the current leader wanted to stand down. He is to remain as deputy leader.

READ MORE: Tories lose out in the Trafford Council local elections.

Cllr Ennis said: "It is an honour that my colleagues have backed me as the new leader of the Liberal Democrats on Trafford Council.

"A special thanks has to go to Julian who has worked so hard over the last four years. The number of us on the council has doubled.

"During the Covid pandemic he was a local champion. Helping out at local hubs, checking in on vulnerable residents and, importantly, he spoke out against the government's attempt to discharge Covid-positive patients into care homes. 

"Julian always stands up for what is right."

READ MORE: Updates from results of Trafford Council local elections.

The move comes after an all-out election in which the Lib Dems increased their number of seats by one.

Their six seats are the same as the Green Group who are in control of the wards of Altrincham and Hale.

Cllr Newgrosh said: "It is hard work but rewarding work leading our local party over the last four years. 

"Handing over to Shaun, I know the Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for our residents and to work for our communities all year round."

Cllr Ennis added: "The Liberal Democrats offer the hardest working local councillors, day in, day out. We offer real community politics with a relentless focus on the communities we serve. 

"That's what people want to see and that is what we will continue to provide." 

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.