Gloucestershire County Council chooses first ever female leader
Cllr Lisa Spivey has been elected to take charge of the authority
Gloucestershire County Council has its first ever female leader, after Cllr Lisa Spivey was elected by fellow members.
She said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been elected Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, becoming the first woman to hold the office. I bring a hands-on, energetic leadership style and I am committed to making a real difference for the residents of Gloucestershire.
“Supported by my Cabinet, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work - with passion, determination, and a vision for a stronger Gloucestershire.”
A series of immediate priorities has been revealed by the new leader:
• Children – doubling down on support for the most vulnerable children in the county
• Highways - dedicated team to clear up signs, barriers and cones from verges
• Speed reduction – making towns and villages safer and more pleasant places to walk and cycle
The first Cabinet of the new administration has also been named:
• Cllr Colin Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets & Transformation
• Cllr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Support & Independence
• Cllr Ben Evans, Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding & Care
• Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities & Fire
• Cllr Linda Cohen, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills
• Cllr Joe Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance & Communication
• Cllr Roger Whyborn, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport & Strategic Highways
• Cllr Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning & Infrastructure
• Cllr Martin Horwood, Cabinet Member for Nature, Climate & Waste reduction