Rutland County Council Confirms Key Appointments for 2025/26 Municipal Year

Rutland County Council Confirms Key Appointments for 2025/26 Municipal Year

Rutland County Council has announced its leadership and committee appointments for the 2025/26 municipal year, following its Annual Council meeting held on Thursday, May 22nd. The appointments see a mix of continuity and new responsibilities as the Council prepares for the year ahead.

Councillor Andrew Brown (Independent) has been reappointed as Chairman of the Council for an impressive third consecutive year. In this significant civic role, Councillor Brown will continue to preside over Council meetings and represent the Council at numerous community engagements throughout Rutland. He will be supported by Councillor Samantha Harvey (Independent), who has also been reappointed as Vice-Chairman of the Council.

Councillor Gale Waller (Liberal Democrat) maintains her position as Leader of the Council, demonstrating a continued commitment to her leadership. The Cabinet, central to the Council's decision-making process and oversight of key services, also sees continuity in its composition:

Councillor Andrew Johnson (Liberal Democrat): Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Governance and Resources

Councillor Paul Browne (Liberal Democrat): Portfolio Holder for Planning

Councillor Diane Ellison (Liberal Democrat): Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health

Councillor Rosemary Powell (Independent): Portfolio Holder for Property and Economic Development

Councillor Tim Smith (Liberal Democrat): Portfolio Holder for Children and Families

Councillor Christine Wise (Liberal Democrat): Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities

The Cabinet's ongoing focus will be on delivering the Council’s corporate priorities, which encompass critical areas such as tackling climate change, providing support to vulnerable residents, fostering a sustainable local economy, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality public services across the county.

Beyond the Cabinet, several councillors have been appointed to chair various committees, each playing a vital role in the Council's governance and scrutiny functions:

Councillor Kevin Corby (Independent): Chair of Audit and Risk Committee

Councillor Oliver Hemsley (Independent): Chair of Conduct Committee

Councillor Samantha Harvey (Independent): Chair of Employment and Appeals Committee

Councillor Nick Begy (Independent): Chair of Planning Committee, and Chair of Licensing Committee

Councillor Lucy Stephenson (Conservative): Chair of Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Additionally, Councillor Diane Ellison (Liberal Democrat) will chair the Health and Wellbeing Board, a responsibility that naturally aligns with her role as Portfolio Holder for Adults and Health.

These appointments set the stage for Rutland County Council's work in the coming year, with a clear structure in place to address the needs and priorities of the local community.

For further details about Rutland County Council’s Cabinet and the responsibilities of each Committee, residents are encouraged to visit www.rutland.gov.uk/meetings.