‘The Essence of Rutland Will Remain’: Rutland County Council Leader Gale Waller Resigns, Confirming She Will Not Stand in 2027
By Local Democracy Reporter
The departure of Cllr Gale Waller (Lib Dem) as Leader of Rutland County Council was formalised last night during a meeting in Oakham, where it was confirmed she is stepping down from both her leadership role and the council’s cabinet. The move, was framed by Cllr Waller as a necessary step for "succession planning" ahead of the major structural changes facing the county.
Addressing the chamber, Cllr Waller reflected on a tenure marked by intense pressure from central government, specifically regarding the "curved ball" of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) delivered in late 2024. While the administrative map of the region is set to be redrawn, she claimed a personal victory in the preservation of the county’s identity. She told colleagues that she had lobbied ministers extensively to retain Rutland’s civic status, assuring the public that while administrative boundaries will inevitably change, the "essence of Rutland" will remain intact.
The decision to resign now is rooted in a desire for long-term stability that Cllr Waller admitted she cannot personally provide. In a significant disclosure regarding her political future, she announced that she does not intend to stand for re-election when voters go to the polls in 2027. With a shadow council scheduled to be elected that year to oversee the final transition to a new administrative unit in 2028, she argued that it is vital for the current leadership to consist of individuals who will still be in office to see the process through to its conclusion. She emphasised that continuity is currently the council's most important requirement, and by stepping aside, she allows a successor to establish themselves before the transition begins in earnest.
Despite the focus on the council’s uncertain future, Cllr Waller used her final statement to defend her administration’s record over a difficult period. She described inheriting a council in 2023 that was plagued by a "serious deficit" and stalled transformation programmes. She noted that under her leadership, the authority has stabilised its finances to the point where a council tax increase of just 2% is projected for next year. She also pointed to the successful rollout of the Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) system and the modernisation of the waste collection fleet as evidence of a council that remained focused on service delivery despite the looming distractions of reorganisation.
Cllr Waller thanked both officers and fellow councillors for their support during a period of upheaval.
Cllr Gale Wallers full Statement.
"It has been an honour to lead this small, but beautifully formed, Council. Rutland is a very special place and one of which we are rightly proud.
When I became Leader I had not anticipated the difficulties the County was in: our budget was heading towards a serious deficit; difficult decisions had been delayed or avoided and the transformation programme had stalled. In some areas we had significant staff shortages but under my Leadership we got the budget under control—indeed to the point where we only need to increase council tax by 2% next year. The transformation programme is back on track and staffing levels are far better. Under my leadership we purchased waste trucks to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our waste collection and are on track to meet the Government’s requirements for food waste collection; unlike many other councils.
We purchased busses which has enabled the rollout of the DRT system so that every resident in Rutland has access to public transport; something many rural areas envy. And, despite the setback of not receiving heritage lottery funding for the museum we quickly reviewed our options and developed a phased approach, which has begun, to establishing a vibrant cultural centre in Oakham. I am proud of what we have achieved under my leadership; so why stand down?
What I have not mentioned, colleagues, is the curved ball the Government threw at us late in 2024 in the form of Local Government Reorganisation. I think it safe to say that if left to our own devices we might well have tried to expand Rutland by joining with neighbouring authorities but we would not have confined ourselves to the LLR footprint Government required. Nevertheless we did our best in a difficult position and managed to submit a proposal that was the least worst option under the circumstances.
During this process I lobbied hard to retain Rutland’s civic status and am very pleased, as I announced at the last Council meeting, that I was successful. Rutland’s administrative boundaries will change but the essence of Rutland will remain.
Ministers will make their decisions on LGR and whatever the outcome this council, and the shadow council elected in 2027, will create the new administrative unit. I believe in succession planning and as I am not intending to stand in 2027 it is important whomever leads the Council now is around to finish the job as a councillor of the new authority in 2028. Continuity is key and I cannot provide that continuity.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time as Leader; councillors and officers alike. It has been a difficult period for us all and LGR has had the potential to distract from the day job so real credit must go, to officers in particular, for not allowing this to happen. And finally, thank you to our Chairman for allowing me the time to complete this statement.
Editor’s Comment:
The implications for Rutland, as outlined, suggest that its ceremonial and historic status will remain intact despite forthcoming administrative changes. The county is expected to retain its distinct ceremonial identity, including the continued appointment of its own Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff, rather than being incorporated into the ceremonial framework of Leicestershire.
In addition, the name “Rutland” is set to be preserved within the title of any new administrative structure, indicating an effort to maintain continuity of identity. Legislative assurances from the government are also cited as safeguarding the county’s historic rights, privileges, and broader civic identity.
Regarding leadership, Cllr Waller has indicated that her decision to resign is linked to the completion of these arrangements. Having secured the stated protections and overseen the formal submission for reorganisation, she considers her primary objectives fulfilled.
Her statement further points to the planned establishment of a “Shadow Council” in 2027, which will prepare for the new authority due to take effect in 2028. In this context, she argues that leadership should transition now to an individual intending to serve through that period. By confirming she will not stand for re-election in 2027, she presents her departure as a step aimed at ensuring continuity during the transition process.
For More News, Jobs, What's On, Discover Oakham and More Visit:
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/
.jpg)
