A RESPECTED and long-serving party group leader at Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is stepping down from the role.
Coun Jerry Roodhouse has announced that he is standing down as Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at the council, with Coun Sarah Boad elected to succeed him.
Coun Roodhouse, WCC’s longest standing member, led the Liberal Democrats into opposition after the May 2025 elections.
He will continue to serve on the group’s leadership team as Chair, and as the County Councillor for Eastlands in Rugby.
Coun George Cowcher has been elected as Deputy Leader.
Coun Roodhouse said: “I have decided that this is the right time for me to stand down from this role. It has been a privilege to lead the Group and represent our communities, and I am proud of what we have achieved together.
“I am delighted that Coun Sarah Boad will now be taking over as Group Leader. She brings energy, commitment, and a clear vision for the future, and I know the group will be in very capable hands. With Coun George Cowcher as Deputy Leader, together they are a pair of experienced hands who can challenge the administration.
“With significant changes to Local Government on the horizon, I believe it is important for the next generation of leadership to take the Liberal Democrats forward and shape our response to these reforms.
“For my part, I will now be focusing my efforts on key local priorities. In particular, I will be campaigning for meaningful Local Government reform, including the establishment of a Rugby Town Council to strengthen local representation and accountability, and for improving access to health services, taking my experience of the NHS to those who make the decisions.
“I will also continue to advocate strongly for improved cancer services across Warwickshire and for improved health provision for Rugby residents, ensuring that the patient voice is heard clearly in decision-making.
“While I am stepping down from leadership, I remain fully committed to supporting the Liberal Democrats and will continue campaigning actively on behalf of our communities.”
Coun Boad said it was an honour to be elected to lead the group.
She added: “I want to thank Jerry for his leadership over the past year and for the dedication he has shown to our communities. He leaves the group in strong shape, and I know he will continue to be a powerful voice for Rugby and for Warwickshire.
“Over the past year we have shown what principled and constructive opposition looks like, proposing solutions as well as challenging the administration, and that is exactly the approach we will continue to take.
“Warwickshire faces real decisions in the months ahead; on Local Government reorganisation, on adult social care, on SEND, on the future of our schools and our high streets.
“Residents deserve a council that listens, plans properly and delivers. Where the administration gets things right, we will say so. Where they get things wrong, we will hold them to account, and we will keep putting forward Liberal Democrat ideas for a fairer, better-run Warwickshire.”
Coun Cowcher said he was proud to take on the role of Deputy Leader.
He added: “Residents across the county are telling us the same things – that they want better roads, properly funded schools, social care that works when families need it, and a council that spends their money wisely.
“Our job as the opposition is to keep pressing the administration to deliver on the basics, and to be ready with serious answers as the county moves through reorganisation and into a new era of Local Government. I look forward to supporting Sarah and the whole group in that work.”
Last year, Coun Roodhouse was given the title of Honorary Freeman of the County of Warwickshire – the first time it had been awarded to an individual this millennium.
WCC councillors from all parties unanimously endorsed the honorary award, recognising his significant and valuable services rendered to the county.
The award recognises the 35 years of service that Coun Roodhouse has given to the communities of Warwickshire – first as a member of Rugby Borough Council from 1990, and as a member of the County Council from 1993.
He has earned the respect of his WCC peers across the political spectrum for his campaigning on health and social care, local policing and protecting green areas, as well as for his work in supporting community groups and children.
