Council announces new Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education

12 January 2026

Councillor Michael Stratton has been appointed West Northamptonshire Council’s new Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education.

Cllr Stratton, who is serving as a WNC member for Northampton’s Upton ward, takes on the portfolio role from Cllr Kathryn Shaw, who stepped down from the position last week.

Originally from Gravesend in Kent, Michael has lived in Northampton for over 40 years where he raised his family, during which he also became heavily involved and interested in family and education matters, including spending time as Vice Chair of the Board of Governors at St Luke’s School in Northampton. He has an extensive career background in international sales and marketing within the food and leisure industries, with strong organisational and strategic planning skills he intends to draw upon in his new Cabinet post.

“I feel both proud and privileged to be serving our communities in this key role and would like to thank Cllr Shaw for all her great work, which I will continue to build upon to drive forward better outcomes for children, young people and families across West Northants.

“It is going to be a big year for our Council, our Children’s Trust and our ongoing improvement journey for children’s services and I bring with me fresh energy and enthusiasm to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges that lie ahead of us.

“I will work tirelessly in this role to champion the causes of our children and young people and improve the support and access families receive from our Council so we can make a real, tangible difference to people’s lives.”

Councillor Michael Stratton

“I would like to warmly welcome Michael into his new Cabinet role, as he leads on a portfolio of services that I know he has a real passion and knowledge for as we continue our work to make West Northants a great place to live, work and thrive.”Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Arnull

WNC has a Cabinet of 10 senior councillors, including the Leader, Cllr Mark Arnull, who is chosen by Full Council and then appoints his remaining nine members from among the controlling political administration, which is currently Reform UK. Cabinet members are each responsible for a specific portfolio area of services and meet regularly to decide the strategic management and direction of the Council.