The Conservatives are still in charge of Bexley after two decades already spent running the borough.
Nigel Farage had said Reform UK had a real chance of winning Bexley Council at the local elections on 7th May, but his party struggled to gain a foothold.
The Tories, led by David Leaf, performed better than expected and won 29 of a possible 45 council seats, ending the day with one fewer councillor than before the election.
Despite Reform running the Tories close in a number of wards in terms of vote count, the Labour Party will remain the official opposition, having won nine council seats compared to Reform’s seven.
Leader of the Council, David Leaf, said it was business as usual in Bexley following his election win.
He said: “We are obviously delighted that our residents have put their trust back in us again.
“It is bittersweet if I’m honest because some good, hardworking councillors lost their seats sadly. But we are pleased the residents put their trust in us.”
Leaf added he would immediately get to work implementing his party’s manifesto promises, which included £30 million of investment in the borough’s roads over the next 4 years, as well as campaigning to extend the Elizabeth Line and DLR to Bexley.
Bexley Council’s full cabinet is as follows.
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation
David Leaf
As Leader of the Council, Leaf represents Bexley at external events and sets the strategic direction of the borough in areas such as housing, finances and health.
Also in charge of resources and transformation, Leaf is responsible for ensuring residents are getting value for money as the borough adapts for the future.
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Infrastructure
Cameron Smith
Smith deputises for council leader Leaf, chairing the cabinet in his absence and supporting him on key strategies.
As cabinet member for economic growth and infrastructure, he is also responsible for housing strategy and redevelopment, collaborating with local businesses and service providers.
Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing
Brian Bishop
Bishop oversees community safety partnerships and work alongside Leaf and Smith to develop the borough’s housing strategy. He has been tasked with allocating housing, maintaining temporary accommodation and preventing homelessness. Bishop is also responsible for the borough’s community centres and library services.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate Services & Education
Caroline Newton
In charge of Bexley’s finances, Newton runs the borough’s budget and collaborate with the council leader on financial strategy. She is also responsible for school standards, adult education and the provision of special educational needs and disability (SEND) services.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Leisure
Rags Sandhu
Sandhu oversees environmental services in the borough, including waste collection, recycling and street cleaning. Also in charge of culture and leisure, his remit includes parks, green spaces, playgrounds, events and tourism.
Cabinet Member for Children & Families
Chris Taylor
As cabinet member for children and families, Taylor runs services such as children’s social care, child and adolescent mental health services and the borough’s adoption and fostering programme.
Cabinet Member for Adults & Health
Janice Ward-Wilson
Lead member for adult’s services, Ward-Wilson oversees the adult social care workforce plan, developing health strategies for Bexley residents. This includes the council’s Ageing Well, Learning Disability and Mental Health strategies.
