Leading From The Field

Cheshire East council leader Rachel Bailey tells MAIREAD MAHON that family, farming and politics are firmly on her agenda.

- Mairead Mahon

FELLOW councillors know when the leader of Cheshire East Council, Rachel Bailey, is determined to get something done, as she will appear shod in her highest heels!

‘Well, I’m only five foot two and a quarter inch -that quarter inch is very important- so yes, I suppose they do give me an extra boost. I can quite understand Theresa May’s much publicised obsession with shoes, although alas, none of mine are designer,’ laughs Rachel.

Not that Rachel needs high heels to get things done as the former medical secretary is an undisputed ball of energy and determination. Well she has to be; as well as being leader of Cheshire East, she is also a wife and mother and is very involved with the family farm at Audlem. Set in 400 acres and with a 280 head dairy herd, it sounds like a life where wellingtons might be more appropriate than heels of any sort.

‘I believe in the right shoe for the job and anyway, I’m no stranger to wellies! I was brought up on my parents’ farm and was expected to do my fair share. I met my husband, Steven, at a Young Farmers’ event and, even though he is seven years younger than me, we became very good friends before falling in love and getting married.’

Rachel and Steven have now been married for over 30 years and have two children, Amanda, a solicitor, and Robert who is also a farmer. Even before a political thought entered her head, Rachel was very involved with the local community including holding that most important of positions: Brown Owl.