I’m happy to hand over to Rowena

THE world has been watching on as the United States changes its leader, at least I assume that will be the final outcome.

With Donald Trump involved you can never be exactly sure what will happen next. He has tried every trick in the book and some others that he invented to prevent Joe Biden being formally declared the winner of an election he clearly won.

I can only hope and presume in the interests of democracy that these attempts fail.

Fortunately we don’t get anything like that in Cheltenham. While I suspect there were less people watching than in the USA, I’m pleased to say that at a meeting this week Rowena Hay was elected leader of Cheltenham Borough Council.

The fact that this was with no opposition clearly shows the respect with which Rowena is regarded by all councillors and it is well deserved. She brings a wealth of experience to the role which includes running her own business and over 30 years as a magistrate.

As a councillor in Oakley Rowena has done a huge amount to support the local community. She has had a number of roles as a member of the council’s cabinet.

For the last four years she has had the finance portfolio. This involved tackling the impact of central government cuts as she lead the innovative approach to using council assets. A number of awards resulted including Best Commercial Council last year.

Only last month the council agreed a Covid-19 Recovery Budget ensuring, despite the impact of the pandemic, the council’s finances are secure for the next three years.

At the same time pushing forward with key projects like tackling climate change; investing £100m in new affordable homes and securing local jobs though the Golden Valley development.

This is particularly helpful for me since Rowena has asked me to take over the finance portfolio.

Another contrast with Donald Trump I’m pleased to say is that Rowena’s style is calm and unifying supporting policy based on fact and evidence and not abusive, divisive with policies based on fantasy. Councillor Steve Jordan Cabinet member, Finance & Assets