The Leader of the Council
The Leader of the Council
Councillor Mike Evemy is the Leader of the Council. His role is to have overall responsibility for the vision and corporate objectives of the council. He is the principal spokesperson and represents the council’s views to the public and other organisations we work with.
The term for leader runs until May 2027.
Meet Mike
I’m Mike Evemy, and I’m proud to be the leader of Cotswold District Council.
I am passionate about our unique area and honoured to lead a council that I have served on as a councillor for six years.
The Cotswolds is special. Anyone who spends time here knows this; traveling from one side of the district to another you move through some of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in the country. Rolling hills, picture-perfect villages, and scenic landscapes that have remained almost unchanged for centuries.
But the district is about more than just it’s beauty. It’s a busy, thriving community full of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovation. It’s a world-leading tourist destination, attracting visitors from every corner of the globe. And it’s home to thousands of residents whose way of life we want to help protect and enhance.
I have called the area home for 22 years, living in Cerney Wick for all that time. I enjoy playing tennis, country walks (of which there are endless options in our district!) and I love both travelling and exploring. Helpfully, I also have a very keen interest in current affairs!
I was first an elected as a member on Cotswold District Council in 2019, and most recently served as deputy leader with special responsibility for finance and transformation. But I have over 30 years of political and marketing experience.
I previously served as the Liberal Democrat group leader on Swindon Borough Council, a position I held for 10 years, leading the group through the council’s change to unitary status in 1997 and four years of no-overall-control. I served for a total of 14 years on the council, leaving following my move to the Cotswold district in 2002.
In addition to my political work, I have worked in membership and supporter recruitment for National Trust and in various senior marketing roles for Nationwide Building Society.
As leader of Cotswold District Council, I know I have a huge responsibility towards you all, to make sure we rise to and find solutions for the challenges we’re currently faced with.
This means ensuring the reorganisation of local government works in the best interests of people in the Cotswolds. Responding to the climate emergency. It means ensuring we have the right number of affordable homes in the right places. That we protect our cherished natural spaces, and historic buildings. That we support our dynamic communities, and help them to prosper. All the while making sure we look after our finances so we can continue to deliver the services our communities rely on.
Financial allowances
Councillor Evemy gets an annual basic allowance and a Leader’s special responsibility allowance. Find out more about councillor allowances and the code of conduct for councillors.