A “born and bred Redbridge man” has stepped unopposed into a senior Conservative Party role.

Councillor Robert Cole, who represents the Clayhall ward, was elected without contest as Redbridge Conservative’s Deputy Leader following Cllr Michelle Dunn’s resignation.

Cllr Dunn, who represents the Wanstead ward, unexpectedly resigned for health reasons.

Cllr Paul Canal, Redbridge Conservative Leader said: “Firstly can I pay tribute to the exemplary efforts of Cllr Dunn over the last two years. I have greatly appreciated her support and hard work and was deeply saddened to learn she wished to step down for health reasons.

“I and all our Conservative councillors wish her a speedy return to full health and to the front bench.”

“I am though grateful to Cllr Robert Cole for taking on this vital role. Few are more experienced, and as a Redbridge man born and bred, none have a greater concern for the future of our borough.

“He and I will do all in our power to rescue our Borough from Labour’s avalanche of debt, waste and incompetence and restore our borough’s pride, our borough's reputation and our borough’s finances.”