Forest of Dean District Council's new leader has appointed his cabinet

Following the council's annual general meeting on May 25, council leader Cllr Mark Topping has now appointed his new cabinet.

The local elections took place on 4 May 2023, and though no political party gained an overall majority, the Green Party secured the most seats and have now agreed to form a new administration to run the council.

The cabinet members and their portfolios are as follows:

• Cllr Mark Topping - leader of the council and cabinet member for overall strategy
• Cllr Andy Moore - deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance
• Cllr Jackie Fraser - deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for environment
• Cllr Adrian Birch - cabinet member for communities
• Cllr Jonathan Lane - cabinet member for economy
• Cllr Chris McFarling - cabinet member for climate emergency
• Cllr Sid Phelps - cabinet member for local plan

Cllr Topping said: "Thank you to everyone who turned out to vote in the local elections last month. I am honoured to lead this new administration.

"Our new cabinet brings to the job a wealth of knowledge and a wide range of experience of our local area and beyond.

"This new council has been formed at a time when many of our residents are experiencing real hardship from the cost-of-living crisis. Many, too, are anxious about the climate and nature crisis. We will work tirelessly with our partners across the council and across the district to address these challenges for the benefit of us all.

"I'm excited and privileged to work with cabinet members, councillors and people across the district to rise to the challenges we face and deliver on our ambitious plans to build thriving, sustainable communities throughout this wonderful Forest of Dean."