Labour leader Adrian Gregson vows to give role his 'best shot'

Labour’s Adrian Gregson was swept into his new position last night and says he has already got his feet under the table.

The 50-year-old, first elected in 1992, has spent the last 26 years working for the city’s archives services and has also been heavily involved with trade union Unison.

He says he will keep his current full-time job at the archives and archaeology department, based at the Hive, as well as being the new leader of the Labour/Lib Dem administration.

He has been one of the most vociferous critics of the previous Tory leadership, which lasted 13 years, and has vowed to create a new plan for the city.

“A cultural change is the emphasis for us,” he said.

“We want to do more on social housing, the environment, youth unemployment and regeneration. That’s the focus.

“We have had a number of conversations [with the Lib Dems] over a whole range of policies but we will not be leaping into anything yet.

“We have had 13 years of Conservative administration, propped up by different people, and I feel Worcester has finally emerged from under that cloud.”

He also said the aim will be managing finances and protecting the council workforce, amid fears of major cuts due to worsening Government funding.

The previous Tory administration had previously announced plans to cut £1.2 million by 2015, at the cost of 26 jobs.

But under the new regime, all budgets are under review to see if anything can be changed.

Coun Gregson has previously been an advocate for rises in council tax, with Worcester Labour group attempting to get it hiked two per cent back in February.

It was rejected by the Conservatives but will be looked at again next year, with expectations the city could see a rise for the first time since 2010.

But the new man at the helm said he welcomed the challenges.

“I am delighted to have been appointed leader and am looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he said.

“Our focus will be on stability and gaining financial security."