History has been made in Gloucestershire this May 2025, with the first ever female councillor elected leader of Gloucestershire County Council.
Lisa Spivey, who won re-election for the Liberal Democrats as councillor for South Cerney this month, was elected leader at the council's annual meeting this week.
It follows the Lib Dem's success in Gloucestershire's local elections, which sees the party form a minority administration to run the council following 20 years of Conservative control.
And it means that Lisa, who has served as a county councillor since 2021 and on Cotswold District Council since 2019, becomes the first female to lead the authority in its 136-year history.
In her acceptance speech, Lisa outlined three priority areas that she and her party will focus on straight away – 'doubling down' on support for the county's most vulnerable children; deploying a dedicated Highways team to clear up signs, barriers and cones from verges; and implementing speed reductions across the county, 'making towns and villages safer and more pleasant places to walk and cycle'.
According to Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter, she received a standing ovation from her Lib Dem colleagues and applause from most members when her election was announced at Shire Hall.
Lisa said: 'I am incredibly honoured to have been elected leader of Gloucestershire County Council, becoming the first woman to hold the office.
'I bring a hands-on, energetic leadership style and I am committed to making a real difference for the residents of Gloucestershire.
'Supported by my cabinet, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work – with passion, determination and a vision for a stronger Gloucestershire.'
