Liberal Democrat Martin Horwood has been elected as the new mayor of Cheltenham, marking a significant milestone in his long and varied political career. A seasoned councillor representing Leckhampton, Horwood’s appointment at the Cheltenham Borough Council meeting on May 19, with fellow Lib Dem Mike Collins as deputy mayor, was celebrated as him “almost” completing the spa town’s political bingo card.
Outgoing mayor David Willingham praised Horwood’s extensive public service, noting his involvement across nearly every level of elected office in Cheltenham. “You have served on parish councils, borough and county councils, held cabinet positions, and been both a Member of Parliament and Member of the European Parliament,” Willingham remarked. “This one almost gets you the full set—congratulations!”
During his inauguration at Cheltenham Town Hall, Horwood expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by fellow councillors. “In a world where people increasingly distrust politicians, it is reassuring to know that at least some politicians still trust other politicians,” he reflected. Becoming mayor in Cheltenham’s 150th year of mayoral tradition was described by Horwood as “the honour of my life," and he vowed to represent all communities across the town.
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Horwood highlighted the rich heritage dating back to 1876, when William Nash Skillicorne first developed Cheltenham’s spa. “Public life, then as now, combines ambition, vision, and practical reality,” he said, emphasizing the importance of civic offices and traditions in uniting the community.
He spoke passionately about the town’s valued features: its parks, natural green spaces, biodiversity, and the iconic Regency town centre, which he said must be preserved with thoughtful planning and investment. Horwood also celebrated Cheltenham’s renowned engineering and technological heritage—rooted in Bletchley Park’s legacy—and its vibrant sporting culture, from local teams to celebrated figures like Rachael Blackmore and Steve Cotterill.
The town’s diverse array of festivals—covering jump racing, jazz, literature, science, music, world music, street art, and poetry—xiould be occasions for celebration and unity, he added.
Acknowledging Cheltenham’s diversity and inclusiveness, Horwood reflected: “We are passionate locals but also outward-looking and internationalists.” He modestly noted he was not the first to have served both as MP and mayor, but he pledged to use his mayoralty to embrace the town’s varied communities.
Horwood paid tribute to notable predecessors, including Conservative MP Charles Irving, who focused on supporting Cheltenham’s less affluent areas, and Daniel Lipson, an influential mayor and MP during the 1930s and 1940s. Lipson, a staunch opponent of Nazism and antisemitism and a champion of unity and reconciliation, remains a model for inclusive leadership.
Horwood emphasized Cheltenham’s enduring commitment to tolerance, unity, and international friendship, especially within Europe. “I will use the mayoralty to celebrate our diversity at home and our international, especially European, friendships,” he declared.
Grateful for the support of his family throughout his extensive political journey, Horwood announced his chosen charities for the year: Art For All Mental Health, Young Gloucestershire, and ITSA Digital Trust. Details on charity events and booking information can be found at www.martinhorwood.net/mayors-charities.