Measham councillor Lees is first 'openly autistic' chair of North West Leicestershire District Council
The new chair of North West Leicestershire District Council has revealed he is 'openly autistic'.
Measham North councillor, Paul Lees, was presented with the ceremonial chains of office this week.
At a meeting of NWLDC's Full Council on Tuesday 13 May, outgoing Chair of the Council, Cllr Kenny Horn, announced that the first citizen of the district would be Cllr Lees. Cllr Jenny Simmons was appointed as Deputy Chair of the Council.
Cllr Lees, who has represented Measham North since 2023, announced that as well as chairing Full Council meetings and representing the authority at a host of events across Leicestershire, his charity of the year is the National Autistic Society.
He told the meeting: "I am extremely proud to accept this role as possibly the first openly Autistic Chair of North West Leicestershire District Council.
"A fact about myself that I vowed only to ever publicly declare from a position of strength.
"As someone diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder - fighting for the rights of, and setting an example for, other members of the Neuro-Diverse Community is something high on my list of life priorities and personal quests.
"My colleagues who supported my nomination have proved that they recognise capability above disability and that gives me great hope. North West Leicestershire District Council has demonstrated that disability should be no barrier to success in our organisation."
Cllr Horn, ward member for Ashby Castle, was appointed to the role in May last year, and during the last 12 months raised over £17,000 for local charity Steps.
He also oversaw the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of NWLDC, with an awards event held in February this year dedicated to volunteers, community groups, businesses and individuals in the district.
Cllr Horn said: "What an honour it's been to serve as your Chair, especially in the 50th year of NWLDC.
"As a relative newcomer, it's been a learning curve and I thank all members for their kindness, support and help throughout the year, and all the hardworking staff at NWLDC for their commitment and effort in what are sometimes difficult circumstances.
"Without a doubt, the highlight of the year was the 50th year anniversary celebrations. It was an absolute honour to present, recognise and present awards to the people who have contributed so much to North West Leicestershire over the years."
The meeting was not without issues, as the Labour group highlighted two abstentions from Independent councillors which allowed Cllr Lees to come out on top 19 vote to 17.
But the meeting also confirmed the existing alliance of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and independent members will continue to be the ruling administration of the council, and returned Cllr Richard Blunt as Leader of the Council, with Cllr Michael Wyatt retaining the position of Deputy Leader.
Other Cabinet appointments include:
- Deputy Leader and Community and Climate Change Portfolio: Councillor Michael Wyatt
- Infrastructure Portfolio: Councillor Nick Rushton
- Planning Portfolio: Councillor Tony Saffell
- Finance and Corporate Portfolio: Councillor Keith Merrie
- Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio: Councillor Andrew Woodman
- Business and Regeneration Portfolio: Councillor Tony Gillard
Chair and Deputy Chair positions for the following committees were also agreed at the Annual Council meeting.
- Community Scrutiny - Chair: Cllr Dr Terri Eynon, Deputy Chair: Cllr Anthony Barker
- Corporate Scrutiny - Chair: Cllr Simon Lambeth, Deputy Chair: Cllr Mike Ball
- Audit and Governance - Chair: Cllr Ray Sutton, Deputy Chair: Cllr Peter Moult
- Licensing - Chair: Cllr Nigel Smith, Deputy Chair: Cllr Jenny Simmons
- Planning - Chair: Cllr Russell Boam, Deputy Chair: Cllr Ray Morris
- Local Plan Committee – Chair: Cllr Jenny Simmons, Cllr Mike Ball
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