NEW council leader Howard Martin has pledged to run Wyre Forest "like a business" for the next year - and he hopes many more to come.

Having taken over the leadership of Health Concern from Liz Davies, Mr Martin was due to be confirmed as the new Wyre Forest District Council number one at a full meeting last night.

His party lost its majority at this month's elections, but following talks with other party leaders the 19 members - out of 42 - are set to form a minority administration.

It will be in place for longer than expected after next year's elections were confirmed as having been moved back to June 10 to coincide with Euro elections as part of a Government initiative to increase participation and reduce costs.

All 42 seats will be up for grabs due to boundary changes - and Mr Martin hopes Health Concern stay in power to give them enough time to make a difference.

"I hope I will be leader for several years because we could really make changes in that time," he said.

"I have a lovely vision for the area but we can't do it in a year. We did a good job last year but didn't promote ourselves very well.

"We recognise that there is an important year ahead and we will endeavour to lead a council that goes forward by consensus, not confrontation."

Mr Martin's appointment at the Health Concern helm came from a perceived need for a change to "freshen things up", he said, stressing it was an amicable decision.

"There was no 'Night of the Long Knives'. Liz has done a wonderful job but there have been tremendous pressures on her.

"She has been given a very high profile job on the executive (responsible for finances and resources), which is an indication of my confidence in her."

Three of the four overview and scrutiny committees have been offered to opposition parties, while Mr Martin insists he is open to working with them.

"If they're happy to talk to me I'm happy to talk to them. If somebody has got better ideas than us then we will listen to them."

Ken Stokes will be deputy leader and responsible for cultural life on the executive, while Brian Glass will look after community safety, Irene Dolan housing and social inclusion, Keith Robertson commercial issues and Kim Poller planning and environment.

Mr Martin described it as "a strong and experienced team", with people appointed to jobs suited to their expertise - an indication of how he wants Wyre Forest run as a business.

He also hit out at party politics: "Somebody should only be representing a community because they're the best person for the job.

"When we first came in four years ago we displaced some very good councillors. We did it for a good reason and that reason is still there."

His priorities will include the campaign on health care, regeneration and economic development of the three town centres and bringing all council employees together on a single site to improve efficiency.

"We will seek ways to improve life for the young, elderly and those with disabilities.

"We will be an administration that consults with all areas of the community."