Meet the new leadership of Lincolnshire County Council
The new leadership of Lincolnshire County Council was officially voted into office last Friday.
The wholesale change of guard follows Reform UK gaining 44 seats of the 70 available on the authority in the early May elections ousting the long-standing Conservative leadership.
The new ruling party had already chosen its new leader, Sean Matthews, but this had to be ratified by the council along with his deputy and executive body at Friday’s full council meeting.
Cllr Matthews, retired from royalty protection in the Met Police seven years ago, will be joined by Rob Gibson, councillor for Spalding East, as deputy leader. Cllr Gibson has served on the county council since 2021. He works for a housing association in South Holland, helping to support vulnerable people facing homelessness.
Cllr Matthews said: “I can absolutely say that being leader of this council is the privilege of my life, and I am incredibly proud to represent this great county of Lincolnshire.
“The recent election results have significantly changed the local political landscape. And whilst we inherit a skilled and knowledgeable organisation, there is always room for improvement, and the public have clearly shown they want to see change in the way this council is run, to ensure improvement is achieved.
“Selecting the Executive group was a bit of a challenge for me because there is a wealth of real life experiences and capabilities amongst our councillors. What you get with Reform is real people with real life experiences - this gives us a fresh perspective that we can now bring to the leadership of the council.
“Our aim must be to improve and enhance in every area, across every service, to ensure that Lincolnshire remains the place people want to raise and educate their children, thrive in their chosen career, and be cared for throughout their lives, safe in their community.”
Deputy leader, Cllr Rob Gibson, will also be the executive councillor for community engagement – incorporating communications and engagement, complaints and local government reorganisation – with Cllr Jane King as his support councillor.
The executive councillor for children’s services is Cllr Natalie Oliver, of Woodhall Spa and Wragby division. A mother of two, Cllr Oliver has extensive managerial experience and has worked in public engagement for the NHS. Cllr Oliver will be supported by Cllr Paul Lock.
Cllr Steve Clegg has been appointed as the executive councillor for adult care and health, supported by Cllr Maria Hume. Cllr Clegg, of Sleaford division, brings his experience as a healthcare therapist to his executive position, and has previous experience as an executive board councillor on North Kesteven District Council.
Former firefighter, Cllr Alex McGonigle, of Louth Wolds division, brings his first-hand experience to his new role as the executive councillor for community safety. Cllr Manzur Hasan will be his support councillor.
The new executive councillor for growth is Cllr Liam Kelly, of the Swallow Beck and Witham division in Lincoln supported by Cllr Trevor Bridgwood. After serving in the Army for over 25 years, Cllr Kelly has established a career in security over the last decade, including in conflict zones around the world.
Helping to keep Lincolnshire moving, Cllr Michael Cheyne has been appointed as the executive councillor for highways and transport, supported by Cllr Paul Wimhurst. Representing the Boston West division, Cllr Cheyne is a chartered engineer and has worked as a consultant.
Cllr Tom Catton, of Louth South division, has been appointed the new executive councillor for resources. Cllr Catton brings to his role a wealth of experience in Finance, HR and IT for various UK and international companies over many decades. He also brings previous councillor experience from his time at Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey, where he lived before moving to Louth. He will be supported by Cllr Richard Litchfield.
Representing the Ingoldmells Rural division, Cllr Danny Brookes has been appointed as the new executive councillor for environment, supported by Cllr James Bean. Local businessman Cllr Brookes runs several of his own businesses in Skegness and has been a district councillor in East Lindsey since 2015. He has been a member of Skegness Town Council since 2012.
The first meeting of the council’s Executive will take place on Tuesday 3 June. Further details of this meeting can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/meetings.