New Executive member and Deputy Leader announced

22 April 2026

Cllr Graham Cheatley has been confirmed as the Council’s new Deputy Leader. Graham is currently the Executive member for Finance, Efficiency and Change. He will retain this important responsibility alongside his new role as Deputy Leader of the Council. 

In addition, a new Executive Member for Adults and Health Partnerships on North Northamptonshire Council has been announced. Cllr Chris Kellett, who represents the Rothwell and Mawsley ward, will take on this responsibility, moving from his current role of the Chairman of the Planning Committee. 

Both councillors will take on these new responsibilities with immediate effect. 

The role of Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Adults and Health Partnerships was carried out by Cllr Eddie McDonald. Eddie will continue to represent the Gretton and Weldon ward as a councillor. 

I’m very proud to take on the role of lead member for Adults and Health Partnerships for the Council on the Executive. This is a vital role on the Executive as it plays a key part in improving the health and care needs of some of our most vulnerable people in North Northamptonshire.Cllr Chris Kellett

It’s a great honour to be appointed as Deputy Leader of North Northamptonshire Council as we move into the next phase of our development as a local authority.

We’ve come so far in the past year and I look forward to doing what I can to deliver our Corporate Plan and strive to make the area the best that it can be.Cllr Graham Cheatley

I’d like to thank Eddie for all of his hard work and commitment during the first year of this new administration.

I would like to welcome Chris on board to the Executive and look forward to working with him. I would also like to welcome Graham into his role as Deputy Leader and I am sure both Chris and Graham will continue to make a real and lasting positive difference to public services in North Northamptonshire.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of the Council

The new chair of the Planning Committee will be announced in due course.