Brackley’s Reform UK Councillors take West Northants Cabinet positions
16/05/2025
Reform UK took 42 of 76 seats at the authority on May 1
Brackley’s two newly elected Reform UK councillors have taken Cabinet positions at West Northamptonshire Council.
Richard Butler has been given responsibility for Highways and Transport and Andrew Last will oversee HR and Corporate Services.
On May 1 Reform UK took 42 of the 76 seats at the authority, removing the Conservatives from power.
At last night’s annual meeting Councillor Mark Arnull was elected as Leader of the Council. He appointed a 10-strong Cabinet, each responsible for overseeing their own portfolio of specific council services.
Councillor Arnull said: “I’m really looking forward to working with a Cabinet that has a broad range of experience across all portfolios, real grassroots knowledge of the local areas and issues people are facing and a palpable energy and enthusiasm for doing things differently and better.
“It’s so important we hit the ground running to deliver upon the mandate we’ve been given by the electorate and in the coming days we will be reviewing what we have inherited from the previous administration and working hard to change and improve local services for the benefit of everyone.
“It’s our aim to be highly visible within our communities, getting out and about as much as possible talking to local people about the issues affecting them. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in and making a real difference to people’s lives.”
Brackley born and raised, Richard Butler has served as a town councillor for 10 years. He has more than 50 years experience in transport sectors including the motor industry and container shipping, as well as sales and business acquisition.
Andrew Last said he fell for Brackley and its surrounding countryside while serving at RAF Greatworth. After leaving the RAF he returned to the area with his wife, and family. He has a successful career in Information Technology, Cyber Security and Project Management.
Anna Earnshaw, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “As we embark upon our Council’s second term as a unitary authority, we all agree that West Northamptonshire is a place of big ambitions. I look forward to working closely together with Cllr Arnull and the new Cabinet on progressing the future priorities to fulfil our area’s true potential.”
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
