Council elects first female leader in over 30 years
21/05/2026
Lesley McLean is second woman to hold the role since the authority’s inception
Councillor Lesley McLean has taken over as the new leader of Cherwell District Council. At a full meeting of the council last night she replaced Councillor David Hingley, who decided to stand down from the role.
Councillor McLean, who is in charge of the Liberal Democrat group, is only the second woman to lead the authority and the first in over 30 years since Councillor Dorren Smith was in charge from 1987-1989.
She said: “I appreciate the trust that residents have placed in this administration, and the confidence my colleagues have shown in me. I am proud to take on this responsibility at a time when councils across the country are under significant pressure. We will continue building on the efficiencies already underway while protecting the frontline services our residents and communities rely on.”
Councillor Chris Brant has been appointed Deputy Leader.
The Liberal Democrats will continue to run the district council in a minority administration with Green Party councillors.
Councillor Nigel Simpson is the new Chair of the council.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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