Councillor Adrian Birch has been voted in as the new leader of Forest of Dean District Council, after Mark Topping stepped down from the role in April 2024.
Adrian, who has been a district councillor and green party member for many years, was elected by 25 fellow council members, after being recommended by the outgoing leader.
As the new leader, Adrian's responsibilities will involve overseeing policy and strategy, managing cross-border relations, public engagement, performance and shared working and overall governance.
Adrian's own portfolio responsibilities as a councillor representing Tidenham includes the built environment (net zero), housing and homelessness; housing policy; and leisure.
On his appointment, Adrian said: 'It is a great honour to be named as leader of Forest of Dean District Council and it was gratifying to receive such emphatic cross-party support. I am excited to get to work and deliver on our ambitious priorities on behalf of all the residents, communities, and businesses in the Forest.
'I would like to take the opportunity to thank Councillor Topping for all his hard work in the role and know that he will continue to provide great service as a councillor for residents in Lydney West and Aylburton and the wider Forest of Dean. In his year as leader, he’s laid a solid foundation for us to continue to build on.
'As a council, we want to help our communities and local economy to thrive, whilst ensuring that we protect and enhance our natural environment and be on target to be carbon neutral by 2030. I’m thrilled to help deliver on these targets and look forward to working with councillors, officers and partners to provide long-lasting benefits for people across the district.
'I am looking forward to starting work as leader and am confident that together we can achieve great things for the Forest of Dean, while also providing the council services we all expect.'
