Cabinet members

There are 45 elected councillors who represent South Cambridgeshire communities. The political administration is Liberal Democrat, as they hold the majority of the seats on the Council.

Eight councillors from the administration make up the Council Cabinet which sets the strategic and political direction of the Council. Below is more information about their roles:

Council Leader – Cllr Bridget Smith

Bridget is responsible for the strategic leadership of the Council. She also leads on the Council's response to climate change, growing local businesses, economies and skills and is the Council’s representative on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Deputy Leader - Cllr Judith Rippeth

Judith is responsible for Shared Services, Transformation and Partnerships.

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities – Cllr Bill Handley

Bill is responsible for New Towns, Community Resilience, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture.

Lead Cabinet Member for Resources – Cllr John Williams

John looks after the Council’s finances and makes sure that, in turn, they help deliver on the administration’s priorities. He also leads on Human Resources, Corporate Services, Grants and our investments.

Lead Cabinet Member for Housing – Cllr John Batchelor

John leads on ensuring the Council delivers housing that is genuinely affordable for everyone to live in. This includes oversight of the management and maintenance of our stock of around 5,500 Council homes. 

Lead Cabinet Member for Planning – Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins

Tumi is responsible for ensuring there is carefully considered development across South Cambridgeshire and planning applications are handled effectively. She leads on Planning Policy and Development Control.

Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment - Cllr Brian Milnes

Brian leads on protecting and improving the local environment to support the Council’s ambitions to be green to the core. He leads on Licensing, Waste, Climate and Environment and Sustainable Travel.

Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development - Cllr Peter McDonald

Peter is responsible for providing Businesses with Support. He also leads on skills, infrastructure and transport.

You can find out more information about all Councillors on our Your Councillors webpage.

For more information about the Council’s priorities, visit our Business Plan webpage.