Published on 5th November 2020

Cllr Rowena Hay, council leader.

Cllr Rowena Hay, current cabinet member for finance and assets, at Cheltenham Borough Council, is set to become council leader next month,

This follows Cllr Steve Jordan’s announcement in September that he will not be seeking re-election in May 2021.

Cllr Hay’s appointment is subject to agreement at a full council meeting on 7 December 2020.

Speaking about her up-coming new role, Cllr Hay says: “This has been a time of great upheaval for us all. Our communities face many and varied challenges.

“Following a decision at December’s council meeting, where I hope to be elected leader, I will work to ensure our communities are able to not just recover from the pandemic, but also prosper in a way that respects our environment too.

“My plan is to press ahead with some key projects that the council has led over the past few years under Steve’s calm, diligent and ambitious leadership. The Golden Valley development will be an internationally significant hub for cyber security. Our investment in new homes for young people and families will continue, with £100million just the starting point. And the work of the Cheltenham Economic Recovery Task Force will ensure that business prospers. 

“We also know there are challenges which we will plan for too. We will proceed with an ambitious approach to the future of our town and a prudent approach to managing public finances. And we will continue to empower communities to support themselves and each other too.

“The groundwork has been laid for the future success of our town. We have a plan to deliver it and under my calm, experienced leadership there will be no looking back.”

Gareth Edmundson, chief executive of Cheltenham Borough Council, continues: “I’d like to welcome Rowena to the role of council leader.

“I very much look forward to working with her to achieve Cheltenham’s ambition to make the borough the cyber capital of the UK, deliver inclusive growth, tackle child poverty and help everyone in Cheltenham to thrive.

“I’d also like to thank Steve for the many dedicated years of service he has given to Cheltenham.”

Cllr Steve Jordan will keep his seat as ward councillor of All Saints until the May 2021 elections.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Notes:

For more information visit the council’s website www.cheltenham.gov.uk.