New leader of Lancashire County Council set to be announced

Cllr Stephen Atkinson is set to be announced as the next leader of Lancashire County Council.

Yesterday, Cllr Atkinson was elected as the leader of the Reform UK group on the council, which holds the majority of council seats following the election on May 1.

It is expected that Cllr Atkinson will be ratified as council leader at a meeting of the full council on 22 May.

During the meeting, councillors who have been selected to form the council's cabinet will also be unveiled.

Cllr Atkinson, 55, who represents the division of Ribble Valley South West, served as leader of Ribble Valley Borough Council from January 2019 until he stood down earlier this year.

Born in Lancashire, a self-trained engineer, he started his first business venture with his brother at the age of 21.

Together they now run a Lancashire-based educational furniture business as well as invest in commercial and industrial properties in the area.  

Cllr Atkinson, who is married with two sons, and describes himself as a devoted family man, said in his spare time he has a great love for the outdoors, enjoying walking, skiing, motorcycling and sailing.

He said: "I am passionate about Lancashire and can't wait to start working to ensure the council delivers excellent services for all our residents.

"Together with my fellow councillors I will be looking to focus our policies on what is most important to residents so we can make a real difference.

"I'm also very much looking forward to working with officers as we build a better future for our county."

Cllr Simon Evans, member for Skelmersdale Central, was also elected deputy leader of the Reform UK group earlier today and is expected to be ratified as deputy leader at the full council on May 22.