Councillor Rose Grewal has been elected as the new leader of the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, following the resignation of the previous leader earlier this month. The change comes as the local government prepares for a major reorganisation that will change how local services are run across the county.
The former leader, Max Holloway, stepped down on February 6, 2026, after disagreements regarding the postponement of local elections and plans to change how councils are organised. Rose Grewal, who previously served as the executive member for planning, now takes charge while the community considers these significant changes.
On February 5, 2026, the central government started a seven-week formal consultation to discuss replacing the current system of multiple councils with new unitary authorities. This plan would involve closing both the borough and Hertfordshire County Council to create a new system for managing local services like housing and roads.
Political shifts are also occurring within the council itself, as the local Liberal Democrats recently triggered a process to end their joint administration with the Labour group. However, both parties are currently negotiating a new joint administration agreement to ensure stability during the transition to the new council structure.
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