Cambridge Labour elect Cllr Cameron Holloway as new leader

Cambridge Labour has elected Cameron Holloway as its new group leader with Rachel Wade named deputy.

The two councillors are expected to be elected leader and deputy leader of Labour-run Cambridge City Council at the authority’s AGM next week.

Cllr Holloway, who represents Newnham, said: “As leader, my priority will always be to serve our community to the best of my abilities. I will work tirelessly to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard, to empower and support our communities, and to protect the environment – now and for future generations.”

In March, former leader, Cllr Mike Davey and deputy leader, Alice Gilderdale, announced they would be stepping down from their roles.

Cllr Davey, who had led the authority since 2023, remains a councillor, but Cllr Gilderdale stood down at the election earlier this month.

“I am very grateful to Mike Davey and Alice Gilderdale for their outstanding leadership of Cambridge City Council over the last two years.” said Cllr Holloway, who added: “We will continue their work to build council homes, tackle

homelessness, address the climate and biodiversity crises, and provide high quality services for Cambridge residents.”

Cllr Holloway is currently executive councillor for community safety, homelessness and wellbeing and works in prison education. He also has professional experience in publishing and translation and studied German and Russian at the University of Cambridge.

Cllr Wade, who represents West Chesterton, is the current executive councillor for communities, and has spent a lifetime in public service, including at Chesterton Community College, the Meadows Community Centre, and as a community support worker across the city. She also has 40 years’ experience as a trade union representative.

“I’m passionate about working to create a city where every person, regardless of background, can dream, can belong, and can thrive,” explained Cllr Wade, who said she was “honoured” to be elected deputy leader.

At the same meeting, the following councillors were selected as cabinet members-elect.

Gerri Bird (East Chesterton)

Rosy Moore (Coleridge)

Antoinette Nestor (Castle)

Martin Smart (King’s Hedges)

Anna Smith (Coleridge)

Simon Smith (Castle)

Katie Thornburrow (Petersfield)

Mike Todd-Jones (Arbury).

The posts will be confirmed at the council’s AGM on Thursday, 22 May.