New leader at Rutland County Council

Thursday, 12 May 2022 15:57

Rutland’s Annual Council Meeting on Monday resulted in a change of political leadership after Council Leader Oliver Hemsley stood down. He was replaced by Lucy Stephenson (Conservative), who was elected by a majority of 18 Councillors. Cllr Lucy Stephenson says that she wants a united chamber with everyone working as one for the good of the county.

The first task for the new leader was to name a new cabinet, which is an alliance of members across the long standing groups: Marc Oxley and Rosemary Powell from the Independent and Green Group, plus Conservatives Karen Payne and David Wilby

Cllr Hemsley announced on Thursday 5 May that he was leaving Rutland’s Conservative Group and intended to serve as an unaligned independent councillor, while remaining in his post as Leader. In a further announcement at Monday's Annual Council, Cllr Hemsley confirmed he was resigning as Leader and leaving the Council’s Cabinet. He will remain a Rutland County Councillor and continue to represent Langham Ward.

Cllr Lucy Stephenson says that she wants a united chamber with everyone working as one for the good of the county. The first task for the new leader was to name a new cabinet, which is an alliance of members across the long standing groups: Marc Oxley and Rosemary Powell from the Independent and Green Group, and Conservatives Karen Payne and David Wilby.

In a further development ahead of Monday’s meeting, Cllr Ian Razzell announced that he is resigning from his seat in Oakham South.

Further information on appointments made at the Annual Council meeting can be found on the Rutland County Council website: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-council/council-news/annual-council-meeting-results-in-change-of-political-leadership/