Phillippa Williamson the new leader of Lancashire County Council.

The county councillor for Lancaster rural N was voted in at the first face-to-face meeting of the authority at County Hall in 15 months, replacing Geoff Driver who stepped down as leader of the Tory group and of the county council before the recent local elections.

Prior to this month’s election, Councillor Williamson served as the cabinet member for children, young people and schools.

As council leader, Councillor Williamson appoints her cabinet, responsible for day-to-day decision making across the full range of county council services and makes recommendations on policy, strategy and budget issues to the full council.

She said: “I am looking forward to serving the people of Lancashire in my new role as leader of the council.

“The past year has been exceptionally tough for everyone because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Lancashire is a fantastic place to live, work and do business.

“We are really well placed as the economy bounces back and with my cabinet, I am determined to help us recover and prosper.

“Attracting inward investment, helping create jobs and opportunities whilst delivering better services and protecting our environment, are our priorities.

“I will be working closely with colleagues across the County Council, with district councils, MPs and others, to deliver on these commitments.

“Over the past four years we have put the council on a stable financial footing. We have balanced the books, delivered services residents value, and prioritised support for the most vulnerable. I will be working hard to continue to do this.”

In addition to the appointment of the new leadership, the full council meeting also saw the announcement of Barrie Yates as its new chairman and Peter Britcliffe as vice chairman.

West Lancashire doesn't get a look in on the county council’s cabinet whose members are:
Alan Vincent, deputy leader with responsibility for resources, HR and property (county councillor for Cleveleys South & Carleton)
Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services (St Anne's North)
Charlie Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport (Morecambe South)
Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult services (South Ribble West)
Michael Green, cabinet member for health and wellbeing (Moss Side & Farington)
Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills (Leyland South)
Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth (county councillor for Euxton, Buckshaw & Astley)
Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for children and families (Burnley Rural) and
Shaun Turner, cabinet member for environment and climate change (Wyre Rural East).