The new Leader of Rutland County Council, Cllr Lucy Stephenson, has confirmed the details of her alliance Cabinet, made up of Councillors from different political groups.

Lucy Stephenson received 18 votes from her fellow Rutland County Councillors to be elected Leader at Rutland's Annual Council meeting on Monday the 9th of May. Following the Leadership vote, Cllr Stephenson named four Councillors who would be joining her Cabinet, with a fifth to be confirmed.

After an initial round of meetings this week, the fifth seat has been filled and portfolio responsibilities for each Cabinet Member have been finalised: 

• Cllr Lucy Stephenson (Conservative Group) – Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Policy, Strategy, Partnerships and Economy
• Cllr Rosemary Powell (Independents and Green Group) – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning, Highways and Transport
• Cllr Marc Oxley (Independents and Green Group) – Portfolio Holder for Communities, Environment and Climate Change
• Cllr Samantha Harvey (Non-aligned Independent) – Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Care
• Cllr Karen Payne (Conservative Group) - Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Performance, Change and Transformation
• Cllr David Wilby (Conservative Group) - Portfolio Holder for Education and Children's Services

Council Leader Lucy Stephenson said: "This is an alliance Cabinet made up of Councillors from different groups. However, Cabinet and the wider Council are all united by the desire to work hard for residents and achieve the best for our county. Having named four Cabinet members earlier this week, I'm pleased to also have Cllr Samantha Harvey join us.

"In the short time she has been responsible for health and care, she has made excellent progress and developed strong partnerships within the local health sector. Residents have told us clearly that health is a priority for them, so it's imperative we put people before politics and have the best person for the job – just as we've done for each position across Cabinet."

Cllr Stephenson added: "There's a lot to do and we're now looking ahead to our first Cabinet meeting at the end of May, when we'll be reviewing the Council's emerging Corporate Strategy together.

"To do well with that we need unity, which is where I am hoping that having our Rainbow Cabinet will be of benefit." 

Details of the Cabinet appointments will shortly be added to the Rutland County Council website, along with other appointments made at Annual Council on Monday the 9th of May 2022.