New leader of council 'humbled' to take up role

Christine Wise has been voted in as Rutland County Council's new leader.

The Liberal Democrat councillor for Uppingham replaced her party colleague Gale Waller, who announced last week that she was stepping down as leader.

Waller said she was honoured to have led the council for "the small but perfectly formed" county of Rutland for the last three years.

She said she was stepping down as she did not intend to stand for election in 2027 when Rutland becomes part of a larger council as part of the proposed reorganisation of local government.

Wise, who is the current leader of the Liberal Democrat group, was voted in at a full council meeting on Thursday.

She told the meeting: "The next two years are not going to be like any we have faced before. It's going to be local government but not as we know it.

"It will require a particular style of leadership – a person who listens, shares and looks at things differently, and I believe I can bring that style of leadership."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said Wise was proposed as leader by Independent councillor Rosemary Powell.

A vote to install Wise as leader was passed with 19 councillors voting in favour and six voting against.

She told the meeting she was "truly humbled" to have been given the opportunity.

Speaking after the meeting, Conservative opposition leader Lucy Stephenson said: "We now have a coalition administration formed between the Liberal Democrat and Independent groups, reinforced by Labour councillors.

"Having carefully considered our position, we voted against this arrangement.

"This is a time of significant challenge for the council and the communities we each serve.

"Robust, reliable and experienced leadership is essential to navigate the financial, operational, and social pressures we currently face.

"We believe at this precarious moment Rutlanders need and deserve a leader, and a council willing to stand up to government, to fight for our communities, and to defend our interests."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.