Liberal Democrat Martin Horwood has been elected as the new mayor of Cheltenham, marking a near-complete journey through the town’s political landscape. The longtime Leckhampton councillor was chosen during the Cheltenham Borough Council meeting on May 19, with fellow Lib Dem Mike Collins appointed as his deputy.
Outgoing mayor David Willingham praised Horwood’s extensive public service record, highlighting that he had held almost every elected position available in Cheltenham—from parish council and borough roles to county council, cabinet membership, as well as serving as both a Member of Parliament and the European Parliament.
“This one almost gets you the set, so congratulations!” said Cllr Willingham.
READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street: Sarah Platt’s Disturbing Behavior Sparks Theories as She’s Advised to Take a Break
READ MORE: Jewellery Stolen from Stroud Home in Middle of the Night
At his inauguration held that evening in Cheltenham Town Hall, Cllr Horwood expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and reflected on the importance of public service amid growing political skepticism.
“Being elected mayor of my hometown in the 150th year of Cheltenham’s mayoralty is the honor of my life,” he said. He pledged to serve all communities across the spa town, invoking the legacy of William Nash Skillicorne, who established Cheltenham’s first spa in 1876.
Horwood described public life as a blend of ambition, vision, and practical challenges—highlighting the civic traditions and offices as unifying forces that allow the town to celebrate its heritage and values.
He celebrated Cheltenham’s valued green spaces, Regency architecture, rich engineering history, and sporting culture, naming local legends and diverse activities from archery to water polo. He also praised the town’s vibrant festivals, including jazz, literature, science, music, world music, street art, and poetry.
Acknowledging Cheltenham’s diversity and inclusiveness, Horwood said, “We are passionately local but outward looking and internationalist.” He also noted that serving as MP and mayor has been a path walked by a few predecessors, praising past leaders such as Charles Irving and Daniel Lipson for their dedication to social equity, unity, and opposition to hate.
Horwood expressed his commitment to fight growing inequalities in the town and to uphold Cheltenham’s internationalist and tolerant spirit. He announced his chosen charities for the mayoral year: Art For All Mental Health, Young Gloucestershire, and ITSA Digital Trust.
He concluded by thanking his family for their support through his extensive public career and outlined plans for charity events available through his website.