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.

8 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 the primary spokesperson for the administration and provides overall strategic leadership for the Council. Bridget is the Council’s representative on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Board. Bridget also represents SCDC on the Cambridge Growth Company’s Advisory Council that was set up by Government.

Deputy Leader - Cllr Brian Milnes

As Deputy Leader, Brian has responsibility for the Council’s transformation work, shared services, member support and engagement with parish and town councils. Brian is also our representative to the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board and has responsibility for coordinating the Council’s work around Local Government Reorganisation.

Lead Cabinet Member for Planning – Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins

Tumi has been our lead member for planning since 2018 and has overall responsibility for the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service. Her work covers planning policy, development control and strategic sites. Importantly, Tumi’s portfolio includes the development of the emerging joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge.

Lead Cabinet Member for Communities – Cllr Henry Batchelor

Henry has responsibility for leading our work to create healthy and supported communities. This includes both existing communities as well as our district’s new towns. Henry’s portfolio covers community development, the Council’s response to the cost-of-living crisis, health and wellbeing initiatives and more.

Lead Cabinet Member for Housing – Cllr John Batchelor

John leads on the Council’s work to create sustainable homes and vibrant places. John’s work forms a key part in our efforts to tackle the effects of the national housing crisis. John has oversight of our 5,500 strong stock of council houses, our work to reduce homelessness, new-build housing, housing for refugees and asylum seekers and safeguarding. John also has responsibility for Ermine Street Housing and Shire Homes Lettings.

Lead Cabinet Member for the Environment - Cllr Natalie Warren-Green

Natalie leads the Council’s work on the environment, environmental health, public health, waste, recycling and licensing policy. The Council has committed to being green to our core as a priority, and Natalie has oversight of all the Council’s work towards achieving that ambition.

Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development - Cllr Peter McDonald

Peter has responsibility for the Council’s work helping businesses to thrive in South Cambridgeshire. This means that Peter’s work includes business support and business development as week as overseeing our work related to skills and apprenticeships, enterprise zones and transport and infrastructure for major developments in the Local Plan.

Lead Cabinet Member for Resources – Cllr John Williams

John is tasked with making sure the council is financially secure and fit for the future. John stewards our finances including transformation, investments, procurement and fraud prevention so that the Council can deliver on its priorities. John also leads for us on human resources, corporate services and grants.