May 7, 2019 4.03 pm This story is over 58 months old

New leader appointed for West Lindsey council

He has been elected by his local party
Councillor Giles McNeill, who has been elected to become leader of West Lindsey District Council.

A new leader is set to be appointed at West Lindsey District Council by the Conservatives after the party retained control of the authority at the local elections.

Councillor Giles McNeill has been elected to take over the role, while Councillor Owen Bierley will remain deputy leader.

Councillor McNeill will take over as leader from Councillor Jeff Summers following a vote at the local party’s annual general meeting.

The Conservatives held control on the council, but lost five seats to the Liberal Democrats at last week’s elections.

West Lindsey District Council

Labour also lost its three seats on the authority, while both the independent groups made gains.

It means the Conservatives hold a majority of two on the authority.

West Lindsey District Council make-up

  • Conservatives – 19
  • Liberal Democrats – 12
  • Independent – 3
  • Lincolnshire Independents – 2

But, Councillor McNeill said he would work closely with the other parties for the people of West Lindsey following the result.

“We have always had a modest majority on the council and the elections were a reversion to the average,” he said.

“But that’s of no comfort to ex-colleagues, it’s incredibly sad, but the people have made that decision.

“I will be working as best as I can with other parties to do the best for West Lindsey.”

He added that the Conservative group would continue to support “low council tax”, as well as providing “quality frontline services”.

An artist’s impression of the new dry leisure facility in Market Rasen.

Councillor McNeill said the group would also “look again” at providing a swimming pool for Market Rasen.

The council approved plans to build a leisure centre in the town, but caused controversy when no pool was included in the proposals.

A 2,000 signature petition by campaigners for a swimming pool was rejected by the council back in November 2018.

But, Councillor McNeill said the authority will revisit the plans.

“Our policy has not changed,” he said.

“We will look again to see if there is any models for a swimming pool in the dry leisure facility in Market Rasen.”

West Lindsey District Council will meet for its annual general meeting on May 20 at 7pm where a new leader and cabinet will be confirmed.

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