SKDC takes new shape after elections

South Kesteven District Council has a new look following the local elections on May 4th.

The position after all 56 seats were declared was that no single political party achieved an overall majority.

Cllr Richard Cleaver was subsequently elected Leader of South Kesteven District Council and heads a new Independentled administration, supported by his Deputy Leader, Cllr Ashley Baxter, who takes on the Cabinet portfolio for Finance and Economic Development.

Cllr Cleaver said he was honoured to be elected Leader of the Council: “It is a responsibility I intend to discharge with a fair and open mind, a full heart, and with great thoroughness.

“The majority group is one in which I feel I can take great pride.

It is a responsibility I intend to discharge with a fair and open mind, a full heart, and with great thoroughness.

Richard Cleaver, Leader of South Kesteven District Council

Half of them are new councillors who have been elected because they have listened to their electorate, and they come here with great energy and commitment.

“We also have many longserving councillors whose wisdom and experience will be so important in moving this council forward.”

Cllr Baxter welcomed the many and varied contributions from all sides of the chamber - and said the debate would continue in the various committees.

Cllr Baxter said: "We will be open to new ideas, open to innovation, taking ideas from all sides of the chamber; we want to be more collaborative and co-operative."

The other new Cabinet members are Cllrs Phil Dilks, Philip Knowles, Paul Stokes, Rhys Baker/Patsy Ellis (shared role), and Rhea Rayside.

A meeting of the full Council on May 18th, also saw roles and responsibilities allocated across the political groupings, including the announcement of new committees and new chairs and vice-chairs of those committees.

Cllr Gloria Johnson was elected Chairman of the Council, with Cllr Paul Fellows as her Vice-Chairman for the year ahead.

 The full election results can be found online at www. southkesteven.gov.uk/SKvote