Liberal Democrat Lisa Spivey elected as County Council’s first female leader

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Liberal Democrat Lisa Spivey has been elected as the first female leader of Gloucestershire County Council.

Cheltenham Colin Hay (LD, All Saints and Oakley) nominated Spivey (LD, South Cerney) as leader of the council for the next four years.

He told those present at Shire Hall at the annual meeting on May 21 that she wil bring a more collaborative style working to the authority.

“I am really proud. I know she will bring the enthusiasm that I think this council needs in moving forward.

“It’s great,” he said. “It brings a more collegiate style of leadership.

“It’s a difficult time with all sorts going on. I have absolute confidence that Lisa and her style of working will be the right one.”

Cllr Chloe Turner (G, Minchinhampton) seconded Cllr Spivey’s nomination and said she looks forward to a more collaborative leadership.

Cllr Spivey’s election was met with a standing ovation from the Lib Dem group and applause from most members.

The former mayors of Ledbury and Ross Philip Howells and Chris Bartrum, both Lib Dems from nearby Herefordshire, had travelled to Shire Hall to witness their party take the helm at the authority.

Councillor Spivey said the electorate had asked for something different and her group will “not rest until the county is working for everyone.”

She told the meeting that the county voted for change and they are committed to delivering it.

Cllr Hay was announced as deputy leader and finance, assets and transformation cabinet member

And Children’s services will be the responsibility of Cllr Ben Evans (LD, Brockworth) while Kate Usmar (LD, Tewkesbury East) will be in charge of adult social services.

Public health will be looked after by Cllr Paul Hodgkinson (LD, Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach) while Cllr Linda Cohen (LD, Wotton-under-Edge) will be responsible for education and skills.

Cllr Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) is the highways and communications cabinet member and Cllr Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley) will be responsible for sustainable transport and strategic highways.

Former Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood (LD, Leckhampton) is the nature, climate and waste reduction cabinet member.

And Cllr Julian Tooke (LD, Pittville and St Paul’s) will be the business, economic development and planning and infrastructure.

Cllr Spivey proposed Labour’s Steve Robinson as chairman of the authority for the year. She said the longstanding councillor is a triple hatter sitting on county, district and parish council.

“Nailsworth born and bred”, she said. “Excellent chair of council that everyone can get on with,” said  Councillor Beki Hoyland (G, Blakeney and Bream).

Cllr Robinson thanked councillors and said he would do his best: “It is an honour to represent the county. I will do my best to represent the county at all times.”

He welcomed the new councillors, chief executive Jo Walker, and thanked those who were not successful in their re-election.

Councillor Suzanne Williams (LD, Hesters Way and Springbank) was proposed as vice-chairman and was described by Cllr Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Hempsted and Westgate) as “reliable, trustworthy and honest” and someone with a heart of gold.

This was seconded by Cllr Gary Luff (G, Bisley and Painswick). And she was elected unopposed.

The makeup of Gloucestershire County Council is now 27 Liberal Democrats, 11 Reform UK, nine Greens, six Conservatives, one Labour councillor and one Independent.

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