New Leader and Cabinet updates announced
Councillor Alex Winning is appointed as the new leader of Southampton City Council, following the resignation of Councillor Lorna Fielker. The appointment was formally confirmed at Full Council on Wednesday, 16 July 2025
Councillor Alex Winning - Leader of Southampton City Council
Councillor Winning, who previously held the position of Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, began his journey in local government at just 16 years old, working in the Civic Centre’s post room. Since then, he has spent much of his professional life in public service locally.
On this new appointment, Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Winning said: "I’m incredibly proud to be taking on the role of leader of the council. It’s a real honour - and I’ll never take it for granted. Southampton is my home. This city has shaped who I am, and I care deeply about its future.
"My top priority is making sure we get the basics right. That means keeping our services running smoothly, staying financially strong, and always putting residents first. This isn’t about me - it’s about all of us. Residents, businesses, and partners working together to build a city we’re proud of. I’m committed to collaboration, open conversations, and listening to your ideas and concerns. Thank you for being so engaged and passionate about our city. I feel incredibly lucky to serve you."
Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council, said: "We welcome Councillor Winning as the Council’s new leader. I look forward to working closely with him to take forward the City Plan and the council’s new corporate plan, and to deliver essential services for our residents."
As part of the leadership transition, updates to the Cabinet have also been announced. New cabinet members:
Cabinet Member for Communities – Councillor Josh Allen
Cabinet Member for Children and Learning – Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews
The Southampton City Council Cabinet is now:
- Leader of the Council – Councillor Alex Winning
- Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport: Councillor Christie Lambert
- Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health: Councillor Marie Finn
- Cabinet Member for Children and Learning: Councillor Amanda Barnes-Andrews
- Cabinet Member for Housing: Councillor Andy Frampton
- Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Growth and Skills: Councillor Sarah Bogle
- Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero: Councillor John Savage
- Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources: Councillor Simon Letts
- Cabinet Member for Communities: Councillor Josh Allen
- Cabinet Member for Leisure and People: Councillor Toqeer Katria
