New Leader for Blaby District Council

A new Leader has been sworn in at Blaby District Council following a change of the District’s Conservative Party leadership.

Councillor Ben Taylor has taken over the role from Councillor Terry Richardson, who has led the authority for the last decade. The leadership change was confirmed at the authority’s Annual Council meeting on 20 May.

Councillor Taylor, who joined the Council in 2015 and represents the Fosse Highcross Ward, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to serving the residents and businesses of Blaby District.

Following a vote to confirm the new Council Leader, Councillor Taylor said: “I am extremely honoured and privileged to have been elected Leader of Blaby District Council and will work tirelessly for the people and communities of the area.

“I want to thank Councillor Terry Richardson for his outstanding leadership over the past 10 years. I look forward to working with officers and our communities to continue delivering high quality services and shaping a positive future for our District.”

The meeting also confirmed changes to the Council’s Cabinet, which is now made up of:

• Leader – Cllr Ben Taylor
• Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, People and Transformation Cllr Cheryl Cashmore
• Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets Cllr Nigel Grundy
• Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community Safety and Environmental Services Cllr Les Phillimore
• Portfolio Holder for Planning and Strategic Growth Cllr Mike Shirley
• Portfolio Holder for Health, Community and Economic Development Cllr Nick Chapman

Councillor Terry Richardson will continue to serve as a ward councillor for Narborough and Littlethorpe. 

The outgoing Leader said: “It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve as Leader of the Council for the last 10 years. It is something I never imagined I would have the opportunity to do, and I have worked tirelessly during that time to do the very best for the residents of Blaby District, our officers and councillors. 

“I shall return to the backbenches confident that I have done my best having steered the Council through some challenging times.”