Northamptonshire appoints new council leader

Matthew Golby has been selected as the new leader of Northamptonshire County Council, having been acting leader since Heather Smith’s resignation.

Having sat on the county council since 2009, the former cabinet member for learning, skills and education became deputy leader at the county council in 2017. Since the well-publicised financial troubles at the council this year, which resulted in a vote of no confidence in Heather Smith, Golby has been at the forefront of the council’s efforts to change the culture within the authority.

The council has also revealed that Andrew Quincey, executive director for commercial, place and health, has been officially ratified as interim chief executive.

Golby said: “These are extraordinary times we are facing in Northamptonshire and I am committed to providing the stable leadership required to see us through the transition to unitary governance over the coming years. I am keen to continue the work we’ve already begun to reform local government in the county in full partnership with our district and borough council colleagues, and with our local MPs. Another priority for me is to begin rebuilding trust with our communities and residents.

“I am very honoured and proud to be voted as the leader of Northamptonshire County Council and I look forward to working with my new Cabinet and indeed all members and our staff to move Northamptonshire forwards through the difficult times ahead.”