A KENILWORTH councillor who has helped make the district a greener place is stepping down from his role as decarbonisation portfolio holder.
Coun Lowell Williams’ decision follows his appointment to a major new NHS leadership role, alongside changing personal commitments.
In February Coun Williams was appointed as a mon-executive director on the new joint board of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust. From April 2026, the two Trusts will come together under a single board, with a combined turnover of more than £1.4 billion.
In his new role, he will chair the Joint Finance and Productivity Committee and serve on the Joint Board.
Coun Williams said: “This new role highlights the essential role the NHS plays in people’s lives – a reality I am now experiencing both professionally and personally.
“Alongside this, my wife has recently been diagnosed with cancer, and we are at the beginning of what will be a demanding cancer journey. This will require more of my time and focus in the months ahead.
“For these reasons, I have taken the decision to step down as portfolio holder.”
During his time in the role, Coun Williams led a number of key initiatives that will benefit communities across Warwick district, including Kenilworth. These include the decarbonisation of council buildings and services, ongoing improvements to the energy efficiency of council housing, reducing bills to residents, support for local homeowners to reduce energy use and costs, championing plans for the district’s first substantial Passivhaus homes scheme, and early work on the Abbey Fields cycle path.
Coun Williams will continue to serve as a district councillor for Kenilworth Park Hill.
Coun Hema Yellapragada has been appointed the new cabinet member for decarbonisation.
She added: “I am honoured to take on this role, and I look forward to getting stuck in, continuing the Low-Cost Low Carbon Energy Programme, providing more affordable renewable energy for our communities and helping ensure people can live in warm, affordable homes while cutting their energy bills.”
