Following Cllr Susan Williams's decision to stand down as leader of the Conservative Group and Leader of the Council, Trafford Conservatives have announced that Cllr Matthew Colledge has taken over as leader of the Conservative Group while Cllr Alex Williams has taken over as Deputy Leader. Their appointments as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council are expected to be ratified by the Council at its Annual Meeting on 19 May 09.

Local MP Graham Brady was out campaigning for the European elections last Friday (29th May) in Altrincham. Seeking signatures on a petition calling for an immediate General Election, he was joined by Conservative Euro candidates Alex Williams (also a Trafford Councillor) and Greg Morgan as well as a number of local activists.

Four local Conservative councillors have managed to secure influential positions on the committees that oversee the provision of key services to the residents of Trafford.

Trafford’s ruling Conservative group has appointed two new faces to its executive team of councillors tasked with delivering on the priorities set out in the 2008 manifesto, including fighting crime, creating a greener borough and continuing the improvement of our roads and pavements.

Trafford Conservative Councillors Sean Anstee, James Pearson, Paula Pearson and Alex Williams recently took to the streets of Manchester to raise cash for The Brain and Spine Foundation and The Children’s Society by taking part in the BUPA Great Manchester Run held on Sunday 18^th May.

Local Conservatives celebrated last night after increasing their share of the vote in the local elections.

William Hague dropped in to support Christine Turner's re-election campaign today. Braving the rain, Christine, William and supporters campaigned in the ward, urging local voters to re-elect Christine for another 4 years.

Local Trafford Conservatives today lauched their manifesto for the forthcoming 2008 local elections.

Trafford's Conservative Leader, Susan Williams, outlined achievements to date and plans for the future:

"Our Council, once described as ‘Weak’ by the Audit Commission, is now judged as a 3*, ‘low cost, well performing’ council that is improving strongly. Trafford’s residents continue to pay one of the lowest levels of Council Tax in the country, despite being one of the worst funded authorities by this Government. Trafford is one of the most desirable places to live in the country and as a Conservative administration, we have done more to reduce deprivation than any other Council in the country."

"We have listened to your views and recently voted against Labour’s plans for a congestion charge for Greater Manchester. We have taken your priorities, communicated through surveys and made them our own. We have invested in your priorities and will continue to do so over the next 2 years with your support."

"Our priorties for Trafford - a safer Borough, excellent schools, a clean environment, better roads and care for vulnerable adults form the basis for this manifesto. With the continued support of local residents, we will make Trafford an even better place to live."

Click HERE to read Trafford Conservative's manifesto