County Councils Network announces new acting chairman

The County Councils Network (CCN) has announced that Cllr David Fothergill (pictured) will become its acting chairman until a permanent candidate is elected later this year.

Cllr Fothergill, who was CCN’s adult social care and health spokesperson, as well as leader of Somerset County Council, will take over the role of Conservative Group Leader and with it the cross-party position of CCN Chairman on an interim basis.

He replaces the current chairman, David Williams, who lost his Hertfordshire county council seat in the local elections last week.

Cllr Fothergill will stay in place until July, when a permanent chairman-elect will be appointed following elections within the Conservative group.

He has also paid tribute to his predecessor David Williams’ leadership of the CCN during his tenure as chairman, which begun in July 2019 and has covered the pandemic.

Cllr Fothergill said his priority as will be ensuring that county authorities’ case on economic recovery and social renewal is heard, alongside supporting and engaging new and continuing administrations in the CCN membership following the local elections.

‘Under David Williams’ leadership, the CCN has been one of the most prominent voices in local government both before, and during the pandemic,’ said Cllr Fothergill.

‘He has been instrumental in supporting the unique interests of county authorities and the wider sector on the national stage.

‘Whilst I am taking on this role in circumstances I wouldn’t have wished for, it is a privilege to lead this organisation over the coming weeks whilst a permanent chairman is elected. I want to work will all councillors across political lines, as well senior officers, to make the case for counties. In particular, I look forward to engaging and supporting new council leaders and their administrations following May’s local elections.’