Lib Dems to lead Cherwell District Council in a new progressive administration

This evening (Wednesday, 22nd May 2024) the Liberal Democrats formed a new minority progressive administration with the Green Independent & Alliance to run Cherwell District Council.

The decision was made at the first meeting of Cherwell District Council since the local elections, where Lib Dems achieved a historic milestone by becoming the largest party, for the first time in the Council’s history.

Cllr David Hingley (Lib Dem) was appointed Council Leader while Cllr Lesley McLean (Lib Dem), will become Deputy Leader.

Council Leader, Cllr David Hingley said: “This is a significant moment. In 2023/24, people in Cherwell voted for change, and we hope to be the change Cherwell asked for. I do not underestimate the trust voters place in us and the responsibility of leadership. I am glad we were able to form a governing group. As a team, we acknowledge the hard work that lies ahead, but we are not daunted by the prospect.

“Since the election results, the Lib Dems have collaborated effectively with other parties to advance the Council during this critical time. We believe it’s been in residents' best interest to invite councillors who share our values and goals to discuss how we could best work together to lead Cherwell into a brighter future.

“During discussions with the Green & Independent Alliance we found common ground on how we can best serve residents as well as local businesses and organisations, I look forward to getting on with the job.”

Deputy Leader, Cllr Lesley McLean said; “This is a new era for Cherwell, we will now be working hard to establish what we have inherited and plan how we can best manage the Council for the benefit of all the residents of Cherwell District”.

Leader of the Green & Independent Alliance, Cllr Ian Middleton said: “The Greens are delighted to be continuing our working relationship with the Liberal Democrats, building on the past 2 years when we worked as a single group. Even though we are now sitting as a separate group, together with an independent colleague, we are committed to working closely with the Lib Dems to enhance our joint focus on the local issues we know are important to the residents that we all represent. I look forward to building on our recent shared successes in the local elections to deliver a better Cherwell for everyone”.

Cllr David Hingley also announced his Executive members as follows:

• Councillor Lesley McLean (Lib Dem) Finance & Resources
• Councillor Chris Brant (Lib Dem) Corporate Services
• Councillor Jean Conway (Lib Dem) Planning
• Councillor Chris Pruden (Lib Dem) Housing
• Councillor Rob Pattenden (Lib Dem) Sport & Leisure
• Councillor Rob Parkinson (Lib Dem) Regulatory Services
• Councillor Ian Middleton (Green Independent & Alliance) Community Services
• Councillor Tom Beckett (Green Independent & Alliance) Greener Communities
• Councillor Dorothy Walker (Lib Dem) was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Council.