The Council appointed its new leader, deputy leader and executive at a meeting on Friday 23 May.
Councillor Sean Matthews, who represents Tattershall Castle division, has been elected as the county council’s new leader.
Councillor Matthews retired from royalty protection in the Met Police seven years ago and lives in Lincolnshire alongside his family and grandchildren.
He will be joined by Rob Gibson, councillor for Spalding East, as deputy leader. Councillor Gibson has served on the county council since 2021 and on the district council since 2019. He works for a housing association in South Holland, helping to support vulnerable people facing homelessness.
On being elected the new leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Councillor Matthews said: “I can absolutely say that being leader of this council is the privilege of my life, and I am incredibly proud to represent this great county of Lincolnshire.
“The recent election results have significantly changed the local political landscape. And whilst we inherit a skilled and knowledgeable organisation, there is always room for improvement, and the public have clearly shown they want to see change in the way this council is run, to ensure improvement is achieved.
“Selecting the Executive group was a bit of a challenge for me because there is a wealth of real life experiences and capabilities amongst our councillors. What you get with Reform is real people with real life experiences – this gives us a fresh perspective that we can now bring to the leadership of the council.
“Our aim must be to improve and enhance in every area, across every service, to ensure that Lincolnshire remains the place people want to raise and educate their children, thrive in their chosen career, and be cared for throughout their lives, safe in their community.”
Reform UK won 44 out of 70 seats on Lincolnshire County Council in the recent local election, securing an overall majority and entering into administration on the authority for the first time.
New executive appointed
Deputy leader, Councillor Rob Gibson, will also be the executive councillor for community engagement – incorporating communications and engagement, complaints and local government reorganisation – with Councillor Jane King as his support councillor.
The executive councillor for children’s services is Councillor Natalie Oliver, of Woodhall Spa and Wragby division. A mother of two, Cllr Oliver has extensive managerial experience and has worked in public engagement for the NHS. Cllr Oliver will be supported by Councillor Paul Lock.
Councillor Steve Clegg has been appointed as the executive councillor for adult care and health, supported by Councillor Maria Hume. Councillor Clegg, of Sleaford division, brings his experience as a healthcare therapist to his executive position, and has previous experience as an executive board councillor on North Kesteven District Council.
Former firefighter, Councillor Alex McGonigle, of Louth Wolds division, brings his first-hand experience to his new role as the executive councillor for community safety. Councillor Manzur Hasan will be his support councillor.
The new executive councillor for growth is Councillor Liam Kelly, of the Swallow Beck and Witham division in Lincoln supported by Councillor Trevor Bridgwood. After serving in the Army for over 25 years, Councillor Kelly has established a career in security over the last decade, including in conflict zones around the world.
Helping to keep Lincolnshire moving, Councillor Michael Cheyne has been appointed as the executive councillor for highways and transport, supported by Councillor Paul Wimhurst. Representing the Boston West division, Councillor Cheyne is a chartered engineer and has worked as a consultant.
Councillor Tom Catton, of Louth South division, has been appointed the new executive councillor for resources. Councillor Catton brings to his role a wealth of experience in Finance, HR and IT for various UK and international companies over many decades. He also brings previous councillor experience from his time at Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey, where he lived before moving to Louth. He will be supported by Councillor Richard Litchfield.
Representing the Ingoldmells Rural division, Councillor Danny Brookes has been appointed as the new executive councillor for environment, supported by Councillor James Bean. Local businessman Councillor Brookes runs several of his own businesses in Skegness and has been a district councillor in East Lindsey since 2015. He has been a member of Skegness Town Council since 2012.
