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Cabinet Members and Chair confirmed at Vale of White Horse District Council – May 2025

Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council has this week (Wednesday 14 May) announced details of the council’s new cabinet.

Cllr Emily Smith returns to the Cabinet as the member responsible for Planning Development. Cllr Smith previously served as Council Leader and was co-chair of the Joint Audit and Governance Committee.

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne joins as Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Climate Action and Nature Recovery, having previously been Chair of the Climate Emergency Advisory Committee.

The new cabinet has been confirmed as:

The appointments were confirmed at the council’s annual meeting on Wednesday 14 May. 

At the meeting council members also elected Cllr Oliver Forder as Chair of the Council for the year, taking over from Cllr Kiera Bentley.  Cllr Jill Rayner was appointed as Vice Chair.  Cllr Forder has selected Oxfordshire Mind and Host Abingdon as the two Chair’s charities which will benefit from fundraising efforts over the coming year.

For more detailed information, visit the Vale of White Horse District Council Cabinet webpage.

During the meeting, Cllr Thomas also delivered her latest Leader’s report to council.

Cllr Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “As we take bold steps toward reshaping local government to better serve our communities, I’m excited to welcome a Cabinet packed with experience and insight.  Together, we’ll stay focused on the things that matter most—like getting our forward-thinking Joint Local Plan over the line and ensuring we continue to provide first class services for our residents.

During the meeting, the new Chair, Cllr Oliver Forder also took the opportunity to provide some clarity on the council’s position relating to a recent Supreme Court decision. In a statement provided to members, Cllr Forder explained that the council would continue to support the Vale’s transgender community and will deliver services offering support and space to all communities in line with the Equalities Act, noting that the Equality and Human Right’s Commission’s will be providing further advice that the council will follow.

Cllr Forder, said: “The Supreme Court decision made clear that Trans people have not lost legal protection and that everyone, including the Trans community and the wider LGBTQ+ community, remains protected under the Equality Act.  This Council’s stance will remain positive, endorsing and caring towards the Trans community.”