New leader of Rutland council appoints cabinet roles
By Steve Thompson - Local Democracy Reporter 7th Apr 2026
Rutland County Council's new leader Christine Wise has announced roles for her top team.
Her cabinet is made up of the leader, her deputy and five other councillors who will each take on responsibility for different council departments.
Cllr Andrew Johnson (Lib Dem) remains deputy council leader and retains his governance and resources brief.
As leader, Cllr Wise (Lib Dem) will assume responsibility for policy, strategy and partnerships.
Cllr Paul Browne (Lib Dem) remains as cabinet member for planning, while new cabinet member Oliver Hemsley (Ind) will be responsible for environment and transport.
Cllr Rosemary Powell (Ind) will look after economy and place, overseeing economic development and tourism in Rutland.
Cllr Diane Ellison (Lib Dem) will be cabinet member for adults and health; while Coun Tim Smith (Lib Dem) will be responsible for children, families and communities.
Cllr Wise said: "I've made changes to our cabinet so that we have broader representation from Rutland's independent councillors and to make sure portfolios are matched as closely as possible to our strategic priorities.
"The next two years will be unlike anything we've experienced in local government before, as we prepare for the merger of local councils throughout England.
"We have to deliver for Rutland residents during this critical period. The decisions we make are more important than ever if we are going to secure the best possible future.
"Our focus has to be on strengthening the local economy, supporting vulnerable people, protecting the environment and delivering high-quality services that are financially sustainable.
"We want residents to feel the benefits of this work over the next two years. However, we also want to lock these improvements in place, so they endure long into the future and become a feature of any new authority that takes the place of Rutland County Council."
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