A new political administration has been formed at Cherwell District Council following the May local elections.
Published: Thursday, 23rd May 2024
It was decided at the annual full council meeting on Wednesday, 22 May, that a Liberal Democrat and Green administration will run the council with Councillor David Hingley appointed as leader.
It comes after the 2 May local elections saw the Liberal Democrats emerge as the largest party, with 17 seats, but not reaching an outright majority.
Councillor David Hingley, Leader of the Council, said: “It is an honour to serve as the new leader, the first in 20 years, and to represent Cherwell, my home.
“My guiding principle as leader is to run an administration in the spirit of cooperation with others. That’s why I am pleased that our Liberal Democrat-led administration has invited Green and Independent Alliance colleagues onto the executive.
“This collaborative effort, focused on Cherwell residents, is a testament to our commitment to putting their needs first. As we face significant challenges, I am confident in our ability to deliver for the entire district, from north to south, and west to east.”
Cllr Hingley appointed members of the council executive, a key decision-making committee, as follows:
- Cllr David Hingley - leader of the council and portfolio holder for strategic leadership
- Cllr Lesley McLean - deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for finance and resources
- Cllr Chris Brant - portfolio holder for corporate services
- Cllr Jean Conway - portfolio holder for planning and development management
- Cllr Chris Pruden - portfolio holder for housing
- Cllr Rob Pattenden - portfolio holder for healthy communities
- Cllr Tom Beckett - portfolio holder for greener communities
- Cllr Ian Middleton - portfolio holder for neighbourhood services
- Cllr Rob Parkinson - portfolio holder for regulatory
The meeting also saw Cllr Dr Chukwudi Okeke elected as chair of the council. The chairman of the council is the politically impartial civic leader of the authority and acts as an ambassador for the council and Cherwell district. Cllr Dorothy Walker was elected as Vice-Chair.
Members of the public can read more about the local election results here.