Cllr Naomi Tweddle has been formally appointed as the new Leader of City of Lincoln Council at its Annual General Meeting earlier today.
The appointment follows her nomination for the position at an internal ballot of party colleagues last week.
Cllr Tweddle has been Labour councillor for Minster ward in the city since 2016, and the Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth for the past year. Prior to this, she was Chair of the council’s Planning Committee.
Her appointment to the position follows Cllr Ric Metcalfe’s decision to step-down after 42 years serving as a city councillor, during which time he was council leader for a total of 21 years.
Cllr Tweddle was born and raised in Lincoln, growing up on the Ermine estate, and still lives in the city with her young family. She attended St Peter and St Pauls school prior to going to the University of Leicester and currently works as Head of the Case Unit for the UNISON in the East Midlands.
Also at the Annual General Meeting, Cllr Donald Nannestad was appointed to remain in his role as the council’s Deputy Leader, working alongside Cllr Tweddle to deliver the council’s priorities under its Vision 2025, and Cllr Joshua Wells stepped up into the vacant role of Executive Member for Inclusive Economic Growth.
Following her appointment, Cllr Tweddle said: “I am incredibly honoured to be appointed as the new Leader of City of Lincoln Council.
“I am grateful to be given the opportunity to build on the strong foundations put in place by Cllr Metcalfe, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for his devoted service to the city over so many years and to wish him well in his retirement.
“As someone who was born and raised this fantastic city, and still lives here with my young family, it is incredibly important to me that Lincoln fulfils its potential.
“From the fantastic redevelopment of the Cornhill Market to the building of much-needed housing on Western Growth Corridor, the council is playing a huge part in ensuring the city’s ongoing success.
“Despite the significant challenges of recent years, the council has continued to deliver for the people of Lincoln through its Vision 2025. I look forward to working with council officers over the coming months to build our ambitious plans for Vision 2030 to ensure the city continues to be one of the best places in the country to live, work, study and invest.”