The new Chairman of West Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Fiona Baker, has pledged to dedicate her year in office to fundraising for two local youth charities. Cllr Baker was elected to the role on Thursday 21 May 2026, receiving the chains of office from the outgoing Chairman, Cllr Alison Eastwood, during the Full Council meeting.
The fundraising efforts will support Springs Family Centre and New Leaf Learning. These charities were chosen to reflect Cllr Baker’s long-standing focus on supporting children and young people, a role she previously held on both the former Northamptonshire County Council and West Northamptonshire Council. She also currently serves as Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Thematic Partnership at the Northamptonshire VCSE Assembly.
Springs Family Centre, located at 9 Tower Street in Spring Boroughs, operates in one of the 10% most deprived areas in England. The centre provides a variety of community services, including a food bank, jobs club, music recording studio, cookery courses, and youth groups. New Leaf Learning, a registered charity (Number 1202923) based at Courteenhall Estate, offers an outdoor learning programme using the TRUST method for primary-aged children who are not engaging in mainstream education. The programme costs £3,500 to run, with schools contributing £995 toward the total.
Alongside the appointment of Cllr Baker, Cllr Anthony Lock, who represents Daventry South, was named Vice Chairman. Cllr Baker previously served as a photographer and leisure services manager at Oxfordshire County Council, was elected to Brackley Town Council in 2011, and later served as Chairman of the former South Northamptonshire Council.
Residents and local businesses who wish to support these fundraising efforts or invite the Chairman to community events are encouraged to contact the Chairman’s Secretary at [email protected].
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