Andrea Powell elected Chair of South Oxfordshire DC

Councillor Andrea Powell, who represents Benson and Crowmarsh, was elected to the role on May 14 and will serve for the next 12 months.

She takes over from Katharine Keats-Rohan, having previously served as her vice chair.

Councillor Powell said: “I’m honoured that my peers at South Oxfordshire District Council have elected me as the new Chair.

“I’m really looking forward to the next twelve months, meeting as many residents and community groups as possible, not just the groups that I’m a part of.

“I want to celebrate the remarkable generosity and dedication of our communities and volunteers here in South Oxfordshire.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to our latest Chair, Councillor Katharine Keats-Rohan, for her excellent term.

“It was a privilege to serve under her as the Vice Chair.”

Councillor Powell has served as a district councillor since 2019 and has held roles as a cabinet member and Green group leader.

As part of her new role, she has chosen two charities to support during her term: Style Acre, which helps people with learning disabilities and autism, and Cycling Without Age Oxfordshire, which offers free trishaw rides to elderly and vulnerable adults.

To support the charities, she plans to take part in a 66-mile cycle event on Dartmouth on June 20.

The council website offers more information on the duties of the chair.