Councillor Christopher Adegoke has been appointed Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council.
Councillor Adegoke was officially appointed following today’s Full Council meeting and takes over from Councillor Jan Goold.
Councillor Adegoke said: “I’m privileged and honoured to hold this prestigious position, and I’m very much looking forward to travelling the length and breadth of Nottinghamshire, meeting residents, staff, organisations, charities, and businesses, who all have a great love and affection for this wonderful county.”
Councillor Adegoke is the county council’s first black chairman, a fact that he and his family are extremely proud of.
“My wife, Imah, and our two children are very proud that I’ve been appointed the first minority chairman at the county council. I got into politics because I want to help people in my community and be a voice for all residents,” Councillor Adegoke said.
“I hope to bring fresh ideas to the role, and I’m excited about what the next 12 months will bring, both as Chairman and in my divisional work in Hucknall.”
Councillor Adegoke brings more than 25 years of experience across international education, public administration, and community leadership.
He has overseen the welfare and supervision of more than 400 government-sponsored international students, ensuring high standards in accommodation, safeguarding, transport, and pastoral care.
“Those who know me well would describe me as approachable, principled, and fair, and I hope those qualities are strongly reflected to the people from across Nottinghamshire during my year as Chairman,” Councillor Adegoke added.
The Chairman’s chosen charity for 2026/27 is When You Wish Upon a Star, a Nottingham-based charity.
The charity is devoted to granting wishes for children living with life-threatening illnesses.
Founded in 1990 by Barbara White CIOF OBE, it has granted more than 18,000 wishes across the UK.
Amy Buxton, Head of Income Generation at When You Wish Upon a Star, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been chosen as the Chairman’s Charity by Councillor Adegoke and Nottinghamshire County Council.
“We’re really looking forward to building a strong partnership together over the coming year and working alongside the Council and local community to make a difference.
“This partnership will make a truly life-changing difference to the children and families we support through When You Wish Upon a Star.
“Every donation and fundraising effort will help grant magical wishes for children living with life-threatening and terminal illnesses, creating precious memories and moments of joy when they are needed most.
“The support from Nottinghamshire County Council will have a lasting impact on the families we support, and we are deeply grateful for their kindness and commitment.”
