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 Jo Gilford. She is supported by Cllr Alison Eastwood, ward member for Silverstone, as Vice-Chairman.

About the Chairman

Throughout her career, Cllr Gilford has demonstrated a tireless commitment to public welfare, balancing family responsibilities with professional excellence. With 25 years of experience in various sectors including public service, private enterprise, and healthcare management, Cllr Jo Gilford brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. 

Her time as both an officer and a member of local councils, along with working in the NHS provided her with a rich understanding of the needs of the local community.  

Cllr Jo Gilford's dedication to public service is underscored by her family background, with her mother being a nurse and her son serving in the navy aboard the Navy’s flagship carrier the Prince of Wales. 

This legacy of service has imbued Cllr Jo Gilford with a deep sense of responsibility towards her community, evident in her tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic as the Managing Partner of a medical practice which put her directly on the frontline. 

In her new capacity as Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Jo Gilford outlines her priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on enhancing civic pride and community engagement across West Northants.

These priorities include attending civic and ceremonial functions across the Council's wards, hosting events to promote council interests and traditions, and ensuring the efficient conduct of council meetings.

Last updated 27 November 2024