New leader proposed for South Ribble Borough Council

South Ribble Council is set to have a new leader.

Coun Matthew Tomlinson is proposed to replace leader, Coun Jacky Alty following her decision to step back from the post.

 The council will vote on the appointment of the new Leader at its full council meeting on 21 May.

 Coun Jacky Alty has served as a South Ribble councillor since 2019 representing the Farington East ward and has held the positions of cabinet member for licensing, social justice and equality and diversity and member champion for social justice and equality in that time before being appointed leader of the council in July 2024.

 She has been at helm of large projects such as the Leyland Town Deal and the Jubilee Gardens extra care development alongside projects which have supported the community such as the innovative social prescribing programme and the development of equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Jacky said: “It’s been a huge honour to have led South Ribble Borough Council. All members are dedicated to improving the lives of all those we serve, and I am incredibly proud of what we have and intend to achieve.

 “It is my firm belief that the people of South Ribble are the beating heart of the borough and ensuring we do the best for them is the driver for all we do. Although I will no longer be leader of the council, my dedication will not wain in driving forward projects and initiatives which will be of benefit to all, with no one excluded or left behind.

 “I want to thank all those people who have supported me during my leadership. Your kindness, insights and advice has been invaluable during my time, and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to drive our ambitious plans forward.

 “I am so delighted to propose Matthew as the next leader of South Ribble Borough Council. His experience, dedication, and skill as local councillor in the borough is unrivalled and I have no doubt the council will thrive under his leadership if appointed.”

 Coun Matthew Tomlinson has served on South Ribble Borough Council since 1999 representing the Golden Hill Ward and later, the Broadfield Ward in Leyland.

 Over his near 30-year time with South Ribble Borough Council, Councillor Tomlinson has acted as Mayor of the borough (in 2004/2005), has chaired the Scrutiny Committee and acted as Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Commercialisation since 2019.

 Coun Tomlinson has been instrumental in key projects such as the continued financial planning for the council delivering balanced budgets in a challenging climate ensuring that the council can continue to deliver the best for residents and the refurbishment of Worden Hall in Worden Park – bringing it back into use for all to enjoy.

 He said: “It’s a privilege to serve as a councillor for South Ribble representing our communities and working to ensure that we consistently do the best we can to make South Ribble great place to live, work and visit.

 “Having sat on council for as long as I have, I have seen first-hand the challenges our residents face and how we in local government have had to work harder, smarter and more efficiently to make sure we can still deliver our day to day services while supporting people and investing in the right places to make sure we can continue to keep our ambitious promises. 

 “It’s an honour to be proposed as leader and if appointed, I can promise that I will do all I can, working my fellow councillors, to continue to drive South Ribble forward, to invest in our areas, and to make sure that all of our residents can be supported.”

 The council will meet on 21 May to appoint the new leader, and papers will be shared on our website at www.southribble.gov.uk.