On 21st May, I was elected as the first female leader of Gloucestershire County Council, a huge privilege which I take on with my signature energy, determination and a clear sense of purpose.

By way of introduction, I am of Scottish/Croatian heritage, and I studied Law with languages at Glasgow University before embarking on a career in advertising film production in Milan and then London.

In 2001, I met my now husband, Adam, who is from the Cotswolds and so my relationship with this wonderful part of the UK began. In 2016, we moved to Preston, Cirencester with our two children and I joined the local Liberal Democrat party. I first stood for election in 2019 for Cotswold District Council and became a County Councillor in 2021.

Delivering improvements on a larger scale

In the last six years, I have grown to love being a part of helping to deliver improvements for residents in my area, and am now delighted to have the opportunity to do that on a larger scale across Gloucestershire as leader of the County Council.

In my opening speech to the Council, I set the tone of my new administration. We will be open, transparent and honest; we will be proactive and challenge the status quo; we will work closely with partners to deliver the change that our residents so clearly want to see; and we will work tirelessly, with urgency and determination, to make a difference for, and with, our residents.

Tackling our crumbling highways

Some of our first priorities will be around tackling our crumbling highways, making them safer and tidier. We will support our children in care, ensuring they get the best start in life and a safe environment to grow up in. We will encourage sustainable economic development and make sure that our residents have the skills to access good, well-paid jobs. We will play our part in facing the challenges a changing climate poses, and we will look after tax payers’ money, transforming services and delivering value for money.

Local government faces huge challenges; financial instability, difficulties in recruitment and retention of staff, increasing demand for crucial services and services which have been stripped out during many years of austerity.

There is huge potential

However, there is also huge potential. Here in Gloucestershire we have fantastic communities, beautiful landscapes, thriving market towns and bigger urban areas, and we are a hotbed of innovation with sector-leading businesses established across the county.

I feel confident and positive about our future. I believe that by working together we can tackle problems, and continue to improve and deliver high quality services for everyone in our wonderful county.

I look forward to meeting and working alongside as many of you as possible over the coming years, and I will keep you updated on our plans and activities in my new monthly column.