The Chair is the ceremonial head of the council
As a serving district councillor they must remain politically impartial and cannot be a member of the executive.
For 2026-2027
Cllr Nigel Simpson was elected as Chair and has announced that he will raise funds for Kidlinks, Katiefest and The Joey Beauchamp Foundation.
Cllr Simon Lytton was elected as Vice-Chair.
More information on the role of the Chair can be found in our Scheme of reference. You can also view our list of past Chairs and Vice-Chairs since 1974.
Ceremonial duties include:
- being the politically impartial civic leader of Cherwell
- promoting the objectives and services of the district council
- acting as an ambassador for the district council
- fostering community identity and pride
Key responsibilities include:
- presiding over meetings of the full council
- accepting invitations on behalf of the district council to attend events
- inviting individuals and representatives of key organisations to events at Castle Quay offices and other venues.