Lesley Williams (politician)

Lesley Williams is a County Councillor for the Stonehouse Ward of Gloucestershire County Council.

Early life

Williams grew up in Folkestone, UK with her parents and older sister. She attended Folkestone Grammar School and was a keen sailor in her youth . After attending Art School, Lesley worked in advertising, becoming the first women to work in the Observer newspaper's advertising department

Political career

Williams first stood for the Labour Party in 1997 and was elected to the Stroud District Council. She went on to become leader of the council in 1999. During this time she set up the Stroud District Youth Council

Williams went on to stand for election to the County Council in 2001 and has represented Stonehouse ever since. She was chosen to lead the Labour group in the Council in 2012, a post she has held continuously since then

Williams has campaigned on a number of issues during her political career, including protesting against the construction of an incinerator outside Gloucester. She has also led on public health projects such as the installation of the Stonehouse outdoor gym and is a supporter of the Stonehouse parkrun.

Awards

Williams was awarded the MBE for services to local politics in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, 2016

Personal life

Williams lives in Gloucestershire with her husband Tom and several cats. She has two children and five grandchildren. In her spare time, Lesley enjoys cooking and cycling, and talking to people.