Lewes councillors elect new leader

At a full council meeting on Monday (July 20), Liberal Democrat councillor James MacCleary was voted in as leader of Lewes District Council, swapping his deputy leader role with the Green Party’s  Zoe Nicholson.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Cllr MacCleary said: “I would like to begin my leadership by thanking Cllr Zoe Nicholson for her outstanding contribution over the last year.  

“When we took control of the council we created a common purpose and shared platform with all alliance parties and independents.  Cllr Nicholson drove our progressive agenda forward and I am very grateful for all her support. 

“There is no doubt that we have taken huge strides in just 12 months, whether that is our work to address the climate emergency or build much needed new homes.  These objectives are in the DNA of the Co-operative Alliance and I know that we will continue to turn words into action right across the Lewes district.

“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been massive, but the way this council responded, and continues to respond, has filled me with great pride.  We must all hope that the government fulfil their promise to meet the costs and loss of income that every council, including our own, have suffered.

 “There is great uncertainty about what the coming months will bring, but I can assure every resident that this council is here for those most in need.” 

The election of leader was contested by Conservative group leader Isabelle Linington, with the final vote falling at 21 votes to 19 in favour of Cllr MacCleary.

Before the vote, Cllr Joe Miller (Con) said: “It is with pleasure that I propose Cllr Linington as leader of Lewes District Council.

“I think in the two months she was leader she showed real leadership capability.  She has also got a background as a biologist and studying law, moving on to work in DEFRA a government department with her scientific and legal knowledge.

“She has a real background that could support Lewes District Council in what will be a very challenging time in the year going forward. 

“[She] has now moved to start her own travel company, specialising in wildlife holidays, which I think will give her flexibility to provide time to the role, which I think will be extremely important at this time.

“She is a logical and practical thinker and well organized and pays, as I’m sure all members agree, huge attention to detail.” 

Both Cllr Nicholson and Cllr MacCleary retain their cabinet portfolios – of finance and regeneration respectively.

No further changes are to be made to the council’s cabinet.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Nicholson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my term as leader and I’m now looking forward greatly to supporting James as leader and the rest of the Cabinet. 

 “New housing, building a sustainable economy and tackling climate change were our priorities when the Co-operative Alliance was constituted and they remain our priorities now.  

”When I became leader I wanted to make a positive impact on the lives of people in the district and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.”

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