Rutland County Councillors have been appointed to a number of key positions following the Local Elections earlier this month.

Rutland's Annual Council meeting took place on Monday 22 May 2023, and was the first Council meeting to take place after the elections earlier this month.

Following these elections, four political groups were formed on the Council: 

• Liberal Democrat and Green Group - twelve councillors
• Conservative Group - six councillors
• Independent Group - six councillors
• Labour Group - two councillors

One Independent Councillor did not join a political group and is therefore non-aligned.  

The Council saw a shake up at last night's meeting. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland County Council's Annual Council meeting set out to appoint a Chairman and a Leader of the Council, along with important posts on various committees and outside bodies.

Cllr Andrew Brown (Independent) was unanimously elected to serve as Chairman of Rutland County Council for the forthcoming municipal year, replacing outgoing Chairman Cllr Jeff Dale. Cllr Samantha Harvey (Independent) was chosen as Vice-Chair.

The election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Rutland County Council was followed by a vote to elect a Council Leader. Cllr Gale Waller (Liberal Democrat and Green) was elected as the new Leader of Rutland County Council and will serve a term of four years. 

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In her first role as Leader of the Council, Cllr Waller appointed Cllr Andrew Johnson (Liberal Democrat and Green) as Deputy Leader.

Cllr Waller will also be the Portfolio Holder for Policy, Strategy, Partnerships and Economy.

On her Cabinet will be:

Cllr Andrew Johnson (Lib Dem and Green) - Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Resources

Cllr Paul Browne (Lib Dem and Green) - Portfolio Holder for Planning and Property

Cllr Diane Ellison (Lib Dem and Green) - Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health

Cllr Christine Wise (Lib Dem and Green) - Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and the Environment 

Cllr Raymond Payne (Lib Dem and Green) - Portfolio Holder for Children's Services 

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Councillors at the meeting last night, Monday 22 May. Image credit: Nub News.

The following Councillors were then elected to Chair individual committees of Rutland County Council:

Cllr Oliver Hemsley (Ind), Chair of the Conduct Committee

Cllr Gale Waller (Lib Dem and Green), Chair of the Constitution Commission

Cllr Samantha Harvey (Ind), Chair of the Employment and Appeals Committee

Cllr Nick Begy (Ind), Chair of the Planning and Licensing Committee

Cllr Ramsay Ross (Labour), Chair of the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny Committee

On top of this, Cllr Waller appointed an Armed Forces Champion and Children's Champion.

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Cllr David Wilby (Con), a seasoned political figure in Rutland, will be taking on the role of Armed Forces Champion.

 A new face to Rutland County Council, Cllr Tracy Carr (Ind, non-aligned), will be the Children's Champion.

Full details of all the appointments made at Monday's Annual Council meeting, including Councillors appointed to sit on outside bodies such as the Combined Fire Authority and the Rutland Water Partnership, will be published online by Rutland County Council. 

Rutland County Council's schedule of public meetings for the next 12 months, including dates for future Full Council and Cabinet sessions, will also be published online.

Alternatively, find out more about the Annual Meeting and hear from new Council Leader, Cllr Gale Waller, here.