Ashley Baxter takes over as leader of South Kesteven District Council

A man described as ‘the lesser of two evils’ has taken over as leader of a council.

Ashley Baxter was voted in by 29 votes to 25 against with one abstention at South Kesteven District Council this afternoon (Thursday, January 25).

Richard Cleaver, who stepped down from the role minutes earlier, will be his deputy.

The changeover between the two independents was the result of a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ made eight months ago, when Coun Cleaver (Stamford St John’s) was elected leader and announced Coun Baxter (Market and West Deeping) as his deputy.

Stepping down, Coun Cleaver quoted Winston Churchill, saying: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

Get the news delivered straight to your inbox - sign up to The Briefing here

He was applauded for his work, with several councillors standing to express their thanks for his time as leader, highlighting that he had set aside political differences and had paid great attention to the needs of different wards across the district, not just those in his home town of Stamford..

Coun Ian Selby (Ind - Grantham Harroby) said: “It’s a difficult job to undertake - it probably feels like herding cats.

“You did a wonderful job for us.”

Coun Lee Steptoe (Lab & Co-op - Grantham Earlsfield) said: “Labour supported Coun Cleaver in the leadership election last May as the lesser of two evils.

“Labour thanks Coun Cleaver.”

Before voting for a new leader, Coun Graham Jeal (Con - Grantham St Vincent’s), who was also nominated for the role, proposed it should be decided by secret ballot, to prevent intimidation swaying the vote.

Coun Peter Stephens (Con - Peascliffe & Ridgeway) said he felt this was “entirely appropriate given the oafish behaviour” of some councillors.

“I feel intimidated myself,” he added with a smile, a comment that was met by laughter in the chamber.

Councillors then found themselves in the ironic position of having to say, when their name was called, whether or not they were ‘for’ or ‘against’ a secret ballot.

The vote was tied, 27 votes either way, with one abstention. Without the two-thirds majority needed, councillors’ names were read out again and they this time had to speak the name of the councillor they wanted as their leader.

Coun Jeal received 25 votes and Coun Baxter 29 votes. One councillor abstained.

In his victory speech, Coun Baxter thanked those who voted for him, then reflected on the fact he has been a thorn in the side of different leaders over the years, questioning their policies.

“Was there ever a more clear case of poacher turned gamekeeper?,” he said, adding, “as soon as this meeting is over I will be talking to Coun Cleaver to hand over the nuclear codes”.

Becoming more serious, he said: “This change of leadership is not the result of crisis or instability. Some might say that eight months is not long for a leader. I would remind people the average tenure of the Government’s cabinet members is seven months.”

What do you think about the change of leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below.