Cllr George Woodward of Reform UK has been appointed Leader of St Helens Borough Council following his election to the Newton-le-Willows East ward at the local elections on 7 May.
Cllr Woodward has also named his Cabinet, which was formally approved at the council’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, 20 May.
Following the election results, in which Reform UK won a majority of seats and the previously ruling Labour group was reduced to two councillors, Cllr Woodward’s party is now in control of St Helens Council with a significant majority. They have 34 councillors, whilst there are 6 Independents, 3 Liberal Democrats, 2 Labour and 1 Conservative.
Cllr Woodward’s chosen Cabinet colleagues are as follows:
- Cllr David Kent – Finance and Governance
- Cllr Gary Edgerton – Business, Highways and Transport
- Cllr Michael Gibson (Deputy Leader) – Environment and Waste
- Cllr James Long – People, Performance and IT
- Cllr Jack Benyon – Regeneration, Property and Planning
- Cllr Sharon Roughley (Deputy Leader) – Safer Communities
- Cllr Eileen Fleming – Adult Social Care and Health
- Cllr Michael Chesworth – Children and Young People
- Cllr Jennifer Gerrard – Culture, Leisure and Heritage
All are fellow Reform UK councillors – and Cllr Michael Gibson and Cllr Sharon Roughley were both appointed Deputy Leaders for the Council.
A number of additional appointments have been made including Chairs of Planning, Licensing and Scrutiny, and councillors have been identified to serve on wide range of public bodies and boards run by council partners. To see the full list of appointments visit St Helens Council’s website Appointments to St Helens Council Committees.
There’s also been a new Mayor appointed
Cllr Stephen Little has been appointed Mayor of St Helens Borough for 2026-2027, following a formal mayor-making ceremony held on Wednesday 20 May at St Helens Town Hall.
The Annual Council meeting saw Councillor Little, who represents West Park ward, sworn in during a time-honoured ceremony dating back to 1868. Councillor Victor Floyd, representing Blackbrook Ward, was appointed Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming year.
Speaking at his appointment, Cllr Little said: “I was born in Liverpool to Norah and Andy, my mum and dad, who had a massive impact on me and my three siblings. They taught us the meaning of having a passion to help those less fortunate, and they showed us what it meant to grow up with decency, honesty and integrity. I still say to this day, my childhood years were my ‘safe years’.
“I’m a former Anglican clergyman and a retired NHS healthcare worker. I’m also the co-founder and volunteer station manager of a successful online radio station that began broadcasting in May 2026.
“I have been involved with the voluntary sector most of my adult life and believe that those of you who volunteer in whatever capacity are the backbone of our community. In my year in office, I intend to visit and support as many of you as I can.
“For many years, I’ve wanted to live in St Helens Borough. I love the people, who are warm and welcoming. I love the town’s rich history of coal mining and glassmaking, and I love its culture — especially the passion for rugby. As a lifelong football fan, I never imagined I’d start following the Saints, but here I am… a scouser converted.
“Almost four years ago, I finally had the chance to move here, and I took it without hesitation. I hold this office as sacred and as a charge to encourage others, a task I accept willingly.”
Cllr Little succeeds Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspron MBE, who attended more than 260 engagements and raised over £4,000 in support of two key charities with strong connections to the borough – Willowbrook Hospice and horseracing workforce charity Racing Welfare – during his mayoral year.
The Mayor’s Appeal
For the Mayor’s Appeal this year, Cllr Little has chosen to support St Helens Mind, the independent mental health charity.
To support the Mayor’s Appeal donations can be sent to the Mayor’s Secretary:
Mayor’s Secretary
Democratic Services
St Helens Borough Council
PO Box 512
St Helens
Merseyside
WA10 9JX
Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Mayor’s Appeal Fund’.
Alternatively, if you wish to donate via bank transfer, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary for information by email to susanfrayne@sthelens.gov.uk, or call 01744 673289.