New leadership brings fresh direction to County Council

A new Chairman and Vice Chair were also appointed.

Councillor Joanne Monk, representative for Redditch East, was elected as the new Leader of the Council.

Speaking following her appointment, Councillor Monk said: “It is a privilege to serve the people of Worcestershire. They have spoken and given us a mandate to bring about the changes they want to see.

“We are excited and bring a new energy to the council. We pledge to listen to what people are telling us and will be straight on to the issues that matter.

“Reform UK Councillors stand for common sense values that make England and our county strong: Family, community and country, and yes, we want to sort out the potholes too.

“To all those who feel let down by previous administrations, know that we will be protecting people and ensuring the services that they expect and deserve, are there for them.”

Councillor David Taylor, also representing Redditch East, has been appointed Deputy Leader.

Cabinet appointments were also confirmed at the meeting. 

The new Cabinet is as follows: 

• Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for One Worcestershire – Councillor David Taylor
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care – Councillor Susan Eacock  
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Children and Families - Councillor Justin Bowen
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment and Communities - Councillor Ian Cresswell
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND - Councillor Dr Stephen Foster
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Community Support - Councillor Dr Satinder Bell
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Finance and Efficiency - Councillor Robert Wharton
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport -  Councillor Karl Perks
• Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Business and Training  - Councillor Alan Amos

The Council also appointed its new Chairman for the civic year. The Chairman presides over full council meetings, ensuring proceedings are conducted in a fair, neutral and non-political manner. The Chairman also holds a casting vote in the event of a tie.

Councillor Louis Stephen has been appointed Chairman, with Councillor Paul Bennett confirmed as Vice-Chairman.

The full webcast of today’s meeting, and access recordings of previous and upcoming council meetings, can be viewed by visiting the Council, Cabinet and other meetings pages of our website.

For the full results of the County Council elections 2025 please see our Elections and voting page.

The next meeting of the full council is scheduled for 10 July 2025.