South West Councils Announces New Leadership Team elected at Annual General Meeting

South West Councils is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chair, Deputy Chair and Vice Chairs following its Annual General Meeting held on 1 July 2025. 

In line with the organisation’s constitution and commitment to cross-party collaboration, these appointments mark the beginning of a new two-year term for the organisation’s leadership:

• Chair of South West Councils: Cllr Bill Revans (Liberal Democrat)
• Deputy Chair: Cllr David Fothergill (Conservative)
• Vice Chairs:
• Cllr Chloe Turner (Green) - Leader of Stroud District Council
• Cllr Ken James (Independent)
• Cllr Leigh Redman (Labour)

These office holders will be joined by other colleagues cross-party and from across the South West region in overseeing the day-to-day running of the organisation and all SW Leaders will come together at their regular meetings, working together for the benefit of everyone in the region.

Cllr Bill Revans, the newly appointed Chair of South West Councils, said:

“I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for local government in the South West. I look forward to working cross party and by consensus with colleagues across the region to champion our communities and strengthen collaboration across all tiers of local government.”

Bryony Houlden, Chief Executive of South West Councils, said:

“I and my team are delighted to welcome the new Chair, Deputy Chair and Vice Chairs to their roles. Their leadership will be vital in guiding South West Councils through the opportunities and challenges ahead. I am also pleased to welcome all our new members. With their combined experience and commitment to public service, I am confident they will strengthen our collaborative work across the region and ensure that the voices of all our councils and all the people in the South West are strengthened.”

“We also look forward to continuing our close partnership with the Chief Executives and other senior officers of our member councils, whose expertise and leadership are essential to delivering for our communities.”

South West Councils remains committed to supporting local government across the region through collaboration, shared learning, and strategic leadership.

This article is published on behalf of South West Councils which works to promote the interests of the South West. The core membership is formed of the 29 county, unitary and district councils in the South West. These core members are supported to meet, network, share best practice and advocate on behalf of the South West.

South West Councils also has over 100 Associate members including many Town and Parish Councils, Police and Fire Services, National Parks, Combined Authorities, NHS and Schools.

South West Councils is one of the nine regional employers’ organisations which represent the interests of local authorities and public sector bodies in England. As the regional employers organisation for the South West, we are listed with the Certification Office under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

South West Councils also plays a key role in representing the region’s interests at a national level, supporting collaboration between councils, and providing expert advice and services to strengthen local government.