It’s been a whirlwind of a month, since I last drafted my monthly report. Since the elections on 1st May, there has been much change and upheaval at the county council.
A new administration has been formed and we are now in the process of moving around to different accommodation in County Hall and the induction program is in full swing. We have new members that need to learn very quickly and fully understand the committees they have become members of.
I am also learning about my new role as Leader of the Opposition. I have very sadly, had to leave my role as Lead Member for Children and Families. This is a role that I have given my heart and soul to for the past seven years and it was exceedingly difficult to say my goodbyes to staff, but most of all the children in our care. I have been a constant stable figure in their lives for a huge period and seen them grow, some into adulthood, and succeed. There has been a lot of tears shared!
Politics can be very brutal, and I have taken some time out to look after myself for a few weeks, but I am back and fighting on for all my local residents.
I have been lucky enough to attend a few events since the elections.
I attended the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Young People 2025, held at County Hall. It was an inspirational evening, and great to see two young people from Anstey being nominated, with one winning in their category.
I enjoyed the VE Day 80th commemoration events, firstly at Leicester Cathedral with the Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries, and then a local event in Anstey, run by the Parish Council. It was a lovely sunny day, and it was lovely to see families all together, enjoying themselves.
The first council meeting was also held for the new County Council. It was a difficult meeting to get through with many councillors very new to the role, but I am hoping that things will improve as councillors undergo further training.
You can watch the meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH4NagrT9bM
Local Elections Results
I was delighted to be re-elected as the County Councillor for the Bradgate Division, and I will continue to work hard for all the residents within my area.
I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported me during a difficult campaign and of course, a big thank you to everyone who voted for me and returned me for a third term as your County Councillor.
I was disappointed with the overall results across the county; the Conservative Group, who have run an efficient and accountable council for the past 24 years, is no longer in control of the council.
Reform UK is now the largest group on the council; however, they are three seats short of a majority.
I have been elected as the Leader for the Conservative Group, and we have agreed to sit in opposition on the Council and not form a coalition with any other party. No other party with members elected to the council has agreed any formal coalition with Reform UK. Therefore, they will run the council as a minority administration. This means, that they do not have enough votes to ensure a policy is approved at the full council and will need to collaborate with the other parties.
Reform UK has elected a Leader, Mr Dan Harrison, and he has now put together his Cabinet. Further details can be found here:
https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/news/new-cabinet-appointed
Chief Executive to Retire
John Sinnott, the Chief Executive at Leicestershire County Council for 34 years, has announced his retirement.
In a message to all elected members, John said:
“I am writing to inform you that I will be retiring from the County Council at the end of November. Prior to the County elections, I said to the Acting Leader and the opposition group leaders that I would be retiring at the end of July.
The new Leader has asked me to stay on for a few months to help the new administration settle in, which I am happy to do.”
Beaumanor Hall
Beaumanor Hall is closed temporarily, after engineers identified safety concerns with the building’s historic chimneys. Ongoing assessments by structural engineers show that the main building’s 175 year old chimneys have deteriorated and that they pose a potential risk to the public and staff.
There is now a temporary mobile office for the Registration Services, and a marquee has been erected in the gardens for wedding ceremonies to continue for those who already had bookings.
The closure is expected to continue until at least early July.
Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Leicestershire County Council is encouraging residents to complete a brief survey about its 1,915-mile network of paths, used for activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Earlier this year, over 1,000 people gave their views on how the network could be improved, and these responses were used to inform the plan.
People can view the council’s draft ‘Rights of Way Improvement Plan’ 2025-2035 and give their views online at: leicestershire.gov.uk/rights-of-way .
Events are also being held in Leicestershire libraries, where you can chat to experts and share your views in person. More information will be available soon on the above webpage.
The consultation is open until 14th August 2025.
Fact file
Every local authority responsible for a rights of way network must produce an improvement plan. Since the last plan was published in 2011, the county council has:
- Installed more than 1,700 new hand or kissing gates
- Removed over 1,500 old stiles
- Put up more than 15,000 ‘waymarker’ posts to show the way ahead
- Repainted more than 25,000 posts
- Made more than 10,000 visits to clear vegetation
- Strimmed more than 1,000 miles of paths
If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.
Deborah
