On Wednesday 13 May 2026, Stratford-on-Avon District Council held its Annual Council Meeting where Councillor Kate Rolfe handed over the chain of office to Councillor Mike Rice.

During her term of office (May 2025 - May 2026) Councillor Kate Rolfe (Stratford Tiddington) supported Stratford's Eco Workshop CIC, a community interest company who provide purposeful work activities for adults with learning disability and autism and raised over £7,000 - final figure to be confirmed.

This time, Cllr Mike Rice (Henley-in-Arden) has chosen The Shakespeare Hospice and VASA as his charities during his term of office.

His wife, Lorraine will be his Consort during his term of office and Paul Edmondson will be his Chaplin.

Cllr Rice said of his appointment: "It's a great honour and privilege to be elected to this important office and I shall try my best to live up to the expectations of my council colleagues and the people of Stratford District.

"The coming year will be significant for Stratford-on-Avon District as it moves towards completing the South Warwickshire Local Plan and commencing the next stage of local government reorganisation. I call upon my colleagues to work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for Stratford District."

Follow Cllr Rice's appointment as Chair of the District Council via the Instagram account - SDC_Chair or on Facebook