New leader elected for Gloucestershire County Council
Gloucestershire County Council now has an official new leader after Cllr Mark Hawthorne announced his decision earlier this year to stop leading the council after 14 years. Led by a Conservative administration, Cllr Stephen Davies has been elected as leader and as part of his acceptance speech paid tribute to Cllr Hawthorne for being a champion of Gloucestershire both locally and nationally.
Elected to county council as the member for the Hardwicke and Severn division in May 2017, Cllr Davies was first appointed Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Early Years in May 2021. He also served as leader of the Conservative group on Stroud District Council until February 2023.
Working previously in the technology sector for 40 years in a range of technical, sales and management roles, Cllr Davies has now set out his priorities for the remainder of the council term until local elections in May 2025.
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He said: "It is a great honour to be elected leader of this fantastic council. As Leader I am committed to continuing the long and successful track record this council has of being financially stable, responsible, and well-run. I look forward to developing strong working relationships with other local councils, the voluntary sector, health colleagues, businesses, and central government to make sure we are collectively delivering the best for Gloucestershire."
Cllr Davies said improving the county's roads, housing infrastructure, and improving Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision are at the the top of his ‘to do’ list.
The County Council cabinet has changed slightly as a result of Cllr Davies' new role. Cllr Stephan Fifield will become deputy leader and Cllr Paul McLain will become member for Children's Safeguarding and Early Years.
After serving as leader for 14 years Cllr Mark Hawthorne does remain in Cabinet as Member for Public Health.