Stroud District Council: Governance, Leadership, and Political Structure
Stroud District Council serves as the non-metropolitan district authority for its region, providing essential district-level services to the community. While the council manages local district affairs, broader county-level services are administered by the Gloucestershire County Council. Additionally, the district is divided into civil parishes, which provide a further layer of neighborhood and community governance.
Key Facts
- Current Administration: Green minority administration.
- Total Seats: 51 councillors.
- Headquarters: Ebley Mill, a Grade II* listed former woollen mill.
- Voting System: First past the post.
- Governance Model: Committee system (no overall control since 2011).
Political Control and Governance
Since 2011, Stroud District Council has been under no overall control, meaning no single political party holds an absolute majority of seats. Consequently, the council operates under a committee system rather than the Leader and Cabinet model. Following the elections held on May 2, 2024, a Green minority administration continues to lead the council.
The council's history dates back to 1973, when it first operated as a shadow authority before officially taking effect on April 1, 1974. Over the decades, political control has shifted between the Conservative and Labour parties, with significant periods of no overall control.
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Historical Political Control
| Party in Control | Years |
|---|---|
| No overall control | 1974–1976 |
| Conservative | 1976–1984 |
| No overall control | 1984–1996 |
| Labour | 1996–1998 |
| No overall control | 1998–2002 |
| Conservative | 2002–2011 |
| No overall control | 2011–present |
Leadership and Administration
The council is currently led by Chloe Turner (Green), who assumed the role of Leader on May 22, 2025. The Chair of the council is Kate Kay (Green), appointed on May 23, 2024. Administrative operations are overseen by the Chief Executive, Kathy O'Leary, who has held the position since November 2018.
Council Leadership History (Since 2001)
- John Stephenson-Oliver (Conservative): 2001–2004
- Chas Fellows (Conservative): 2004–2009
- Frances Roden (Conservative): 2009–2012
- Geoff Wheeler (Labour): 2012–2016
- Steve Lydon (Labour): 2016–2018
- Doina Cornell (Labour): 2018–2022
- Independent: June 2022–July 2022
- Catherine Braun (Green): 2022–2025
- Chloe Turner (Green): 2025–Present
Council Composition
As of June 2026, following the 2024 elections and subsequent by-elections or changes in allegiance, the council consists of 51 seats distributed among several political groups.
- Green: 24 councillors (Administration)
- Labour: 17 councillors
- Conservative: 6 councillors
- Liberal Democrats: 2 councillors
- Independent: 2 councillors
Council Premises
The council is headquartered at Ebley Mill, located in the parish of Cainscross, a suburban area adjoining the west side of Stroud. The building is a Grade II* listed site, originally constructed in 1818 as a woollen mill. It was converted into the council's official offices between 1987 and 1990.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council?
Stroud District Council provides district-level services, while Gloucestershire County Council is responsible for broader county-level services.
What is a "no overall control" council?
This term describes a situation where no single political party holds a majority of the seats, requiring the council to operate via a committee system or coalition to pass decisions.
Who is the current leader of Stroud District Council?
The current Leader is Chloe Turner of the Green Party, who took office on May 22, 2025.
Where are the council offices located?
The offices are located at Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB, which is a historic Grade II* listed former woollen mill.
How are councillors elected to the Stroud District Council?
Councillors are elected using the first past the post voting system.