Meet the leader

Heather Kidd, leader - Shropshire Council

Originally from Sussex, Councillor Kidd has lived in south Shropshire close to the Welsh border for almost 40 years, and is a former leader of South Shropshire District Council, which was merged into Shropshire Council in 2009. 

She was elected the leader of Shropshire Council following elections in May 2025, becoming the first Liberal Democrat to lead the unitary council.

Rural policy issues are a key interest to her and her belief in the part that rural housing can play as a driver for the rural economy, help save council services money and keep rural communities sustainable and thriving. She was awarded an MBE for services to rural communities in 2023.

Councillor Kidd is a strong voice at a national level on rural matters, has been on the Local Government Association’s (LGA) People & Places Board, and chaired the LGA’s Safer Strong Communities Board and Liberal Democrat group.

A biology/science teacher, Councillor Kidd has taught in schools in Sussex, London and, of course, Shropshire. She is married with four daughters and ten grandchildren.

Find out more about Heather's appointments and responsibilities.