First female leader of Cherwell in over thirty years announced

Councillor Lesley McLean has been appointed Leader of Cherwell District Council, becoming the first woman to lead the authority in over thirty years. Councillor Chris Brant has been appointed Deputy Leader. 

Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of the council, said: “I would like to thank Councillor David Hingley for his excellent dedication and service over the past two years. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him, and I am honoured to be in a position to continue with the real progress we have seen across the district. 

“I appreciate the trust that residents have placed in this administration, and the confidence my colleagues have shown in me. I am proud to take on this responsibility at a time when councils across the country are under significant pressure. We will continue building on the efficiencies already underway while protecting the frontline services our residents and communities rely on. 

“This administration will continue to listen to residents, work closely with local communities, and deliver for every part of Cherwell.” 

It was the first full council since the Cherwell District Council elections were held, with 18 seats decided. The council will be led by a Liberal Democrat and Green administration, and the leader Cllr Lesley McLean confirmed that members of the council executive will be as follows: 

• Cllr Lesley McLean - Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Growth 

• Cllr Chris Brant - Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Enforcement 

• Cllr David Hingley - Portfolio Holder for Finance 

• Cllr Nicola Borkmann - Portfolio Holder for Customer & Community Services 

• Cllr Rob Pattenden - Portfolio Holder for Property & Assets  

• Cllr Frank Ideh - Portfolio Holder for Law & Governance  

• Cllr Ian Middleton - Portfolio Holder for Housing & Greener Communities  

• Cllr Lisa Smith - Portfolio Holder for Leisure 

• Cllr Alisa Russell – Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services 

The meeting also saw Homeless Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Homeless Movement and Asylum Welcome receive a £3,391 cheque from outgoing council chair Cllr Dorothy Walker. The money was raised during her year-long term, through various events, including lunches and sleepouts. 

Cllr Nigel Simpson takes over from Cllr Walker as the new Chair of the council and announced that during his term of office, he will raise funds for Kidlinks, The Joey Beauchamp Foundation and Katiefest. 

Councillor Nigel Simpson, Chair of Cherwell District Council, said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to serve in this role. I am grateful to take over from Councillor Walker, who did a wonderful job raising money for three worthwhile charities. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and seeing what we can achieve for my three amazing local charities over the coming year.”