New leader elected for South Hams District Council

South Hams District Council has appointed a new Leader following its Annual Council meeting, with Cllr Dan Thomas elected to the role after Cllr Julian Brazil stepped down to focus on his position as the newly elected Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Devon County Council.

Cllr Brazil, who has served as Leader of South Hams District Council since 2023, will continue in local government as a member of the Council’s Executive and remain the ward councillor for Stokenham.

Reflecting on his tenure, Cllr Brazil said:

“It’s been an absolute privilege, honour and pleasure to be Leader of South Hams District Council and I am proud of what we have achieved.

“We’ve shown in the South Hams that politics can be done differently – through consensus and compromise. That approach has worked well here. Of course, disagreements arise, but a mature and respectful debate is key to good governance.

“I’d like to thank all the council officers, my fellow councillors, and in particular my group, for putting their trust in me. There is still much to do, but our focus must always be on delivering for our communities.”

Newly elected Council Leader Cllr Dan Thomas paid tribute to Cllr Brazil’s leadership and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to its core priorities.

“Thank you to my colleagues for the trust you’ve placed in me – it is a true honour. I will work hard on behalf of the people of the South Hams.

“Our communities will remain at the centre of everything we do, from tackling the housing crisis and supporting the local economy, to improving service delivery and addressing climate change. We also remain committed to protecting the rich biodiversity that makes the South Hams so special.

“Julian’s leadership helped foster a respectful, inclusive council chamber where every voice was heard – that’s a culture I intend to maintain.”

Under Cllr Brazil’s leadership, the Council has taken steps to address housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and service delivery in a challenging post-pandemic and cost-of-living context. Recent years have seen significant progress in delivering affordable housing, launching climate action strategies, and investing in community-led initiatives across the South Hams, a district known for its coastal beauty, market towns, and national park boundaries.

Cllr Thomas, who brings experience from previous roles within the Council and strong local engagement, will now lead South Hams District Council through its next chapter, with a continued focus on delivering high-quality services and resilient, thriving communities.