Cotswold District Council will see a change in leadership as Liberal Democrat Mike Evemy is set to take over from Joe Harris later this month. Evemy, who currently serves as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, has been elected by his party colleagues to lead the Lib Dem group and the council itself.
Evemy represents Siddington and Cerney Rural ward and has been influential in spearheading key financial strategies, including the Bourton car park levy, which generates funds to manage visitor impact in the village. Upon his appointment, Cllr Evemy expressed both honour and determination, stating, “Joe is leaving big shoes to fill, but I’m eager to tackle the challenges ahead, especially amid local government reorganisation. We will continue delivering essential services, advancing social rented housing, cutting carbon emissions, and boosting the local economy.”
Outgoing leader Joe Harris, who has led the council for six years, will remain active as a District and County Councillor but is stepping down from the leadership to concentrate on his national roles. As Vice Chair and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at the Local Government Association (LGA), Harris has been instrumental in delivering affordable housing, launching the successful Crowdfund Cotswold initiative, creating 500 new green jobs, and reducing council tax burdens for the most vulnerable.
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Since the Liberal Democrats gained control of the council in 2019, their focus has remained on housing affordability, climate action, and supporting residents through economic challenges. Mike Evemy’s leadership will be formally confirmed at the council’s annual meeting on May 21, marking a new chapter for the Cotswold District Council.