Leader and cabinet members
The position of the leader of the council is agreed as required by full council. Lead members (cabinet members) are agreed by the leader of the council.
As of the Annual Council meeting on 22nd May 2026 the lead member positions are as follows:
Alyson Barnes - Leader of the Council
Andrew Walmsley - Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Resources
Nick Harris - Lead Member for Economic Development
Samara Barnes - Lead Member for Planning
Michelle Smith - Lead Member for Communities, Housing, Health and Wellbeing
Adrian Lythgoe - Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services
Shadow portfolio areas are as follows:
Scott Smith - Leader of the Opposition and Shadow for Economic Development
Alan Woods - Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow for Resources and Corporate Services
Ann Hodgkiss - Shadow for Communities, Housing and Health