Date published: 2026-05-15 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Democracy
Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall has been elected as the new Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Councillor Stephenson-McGall was first elected as a councillor in 1999, representing Oldfield Park Ward up until 2023 and is now the ward councillor for Timsbury. He served as Vice Chair last year, Chair in 2022-23 and Mayor of Bath in 2010-11.
Councillor Stephenson-McGall was elected to the role of Council Chair 2026-2027 at the Annual Meeting of the Council yesterday (May 14).
The Chair is an annual non-political role elected by councillors, which includes chairing official council meetings, supporting the community, celebrating landmark local events and welcoming royal and other VIP visitors to Bath and North East Somerset.
Councillor Stephenson-McGall said: “It is with great pride that I take up the role as Chair of Bath & North East Somerset Council and I want to thank the outgoing Chair Councillor Liz Hardman for her dedicated service over the past year. It’s an honour to serve in this role as Chair twice, firstly representing Oldfield Park in Bath and now as the councillor for Timsbury in North East Somerset. I will enjoy presiding over the Citizenship Ceremonies and showcasing and supporting the work of our Parish and Town Councils through the Parish Liaison meetings.”
The new Vice Chair of the council is Councillor Dine Romero, who is the ward councillor for Southdown.
Councillor Romero said: “I look forward to supporting, and deputising for Councillor Stephenson-McGall in his role as Chair of Council. I am honoured to be chosen by my colleague for this important role and through it we will continue to support our diverse communities across Bath and North East Somerset.”
Learn more about the Chair of the Council.