Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council

About the current Chairman

Each year at its Annual Meeting, the full Council elects a new Chairman and appoints a Vice-Chairman. The Chairman must be a serving councillor but must not be a member of cabinet.

The current Chairman for West Northamptonshire Council is Cllr Alison Eastwood, ward councillor for Rural South Northamptonshire. 

She is supported by Cllr Peter York as Vice-Chairman.

About the Chairman

With a diverse career spanning theatre, business, and public service, Cllr Eastwood brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to her local community. She was first elected to represent Silverstone Ward four years ago and now serves as ward councillor for Rural South Northamptonshire.  

Cllr Eastwood’s career has taken her from the stage to the boardroom, with notable achievements in theatre management, interior design, and real estate consulting across Los Angeles, London, and South West Northamptonshire. Her deep commitment to public service was inspired by her mother, the founder of the Listening Library for the Blind, and has seen her contribute to a wide range of community projects, both here and in the USA. 

Before her election as a councillor, Cllr Eastwood served on the Beverly Hills School Board and worked with various charitable organisations, including the Red Cross and initiatives supporting children and adults in need. 

Since returning to the UK, Cllr Eastwood has dedicated herself to the people of West Northamptonshire, holding key roles including the Deputy Culture Lead, and sits on the boards of 78 Derngate, the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust (NMPAT), and the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery. 

You can find out more about the Chairman's chosen charities for 2025/26 in this video:

The Chairman is a non-political, civic role that represents the council and West Northamptonshire at various events, including official functions, and chairs council meetings to ensure they are conducted in line with the Constitution.

As part of her role, Cllr Eastwood looks forward to meeting with local businesses, schools, community and voluntary groups, and organisations. You can use our online form to enquire about inviting the Chairman to an event.

Last updated 06 June 2025