New council leader pledges to create a greener, cleaner and fairer borough

Published: Friday, 19 May 2023

Oadby & Wigston Borough Council’s new leader, Cllr Samia Haq, has spoken of her pride after becoming the county’s first ever minority background female council leader.

Speaking at the council’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 18 May and following the local elections earlier this month, Cllr Haq thanked voters for putting their faith in her and her fellow councillors and promised to work tirelessly on their behalf.

Cllr Haq has succeeded John Boyce as Leader after he retired just ahead of the elections after serving in the role for more than 15 years.

Cllr Haq said: “I want to thank local people for putting their trust in us, and assure them that we will do our utmost to keep earning that trust.

“Oadby & Wigston has a proud history of delivering excellent services and value for money for our residents and we are determined to see this continue.

“The residents want us to deliver on our manifesto pledges of establishing a cleaner, greener and fairer borough and we will work hard to keep these promises.

"I pay tribute to John Boyce who has served this borough for many years and provided great leadership.

“On a personal note, it is a huge honour and privilege to become the first female from a minority background to serve as a Leader of a Leicestershire-based council. To me this is a reflection on Oadby & Wigston itself - of how progressive we are and the vibrance and diversity we have in the borough. We are leading the way by example in promoting that diversity.”

Following the election, the Liberal Democrats continue to hold the majority in Oadby & Wigston, securing 19 seats. The Conservatives hold the remaining seven.

At the same meeting, Cllr Rosemarie Adams was re-appointed as Mayor of Oadby & Wigston for the next 12 months.

Cllr Adams said: “It’s been a privilege to serve as Mayor of Oadby & Wigston for the past year, and I am honoured to have been re-appointed to the position.

“As Mayor a real highlight has been the opportunity to meet and connect with so many different people and communities around the borough, and I look forward to being able to continue this over the next 12 months.”

The non-political role of Mayor is ceremonial, with the Mayor acting as First Citizen and representing the council at events and civic functions.

Each year the Mayor chooses a charity to support, with Cllr Adams this year continuing to support Voluntary Action South Leicestershire.