Gingelom (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ingrid Scheepers will take over as mayor of Gingelom on January 1, 2027, succeeding Patrick Lismont. She plans to continue ongoing projects, including a daycare, town hall upgrades, sports facilities, and a bike path.
As VRT News reported, Gingelom, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, will welcome a new mayor on January 1, 2027, as Ingrid Scheepers succeeds Patrick Lismont. Lismont will retire at the age of 67 after a long career in local politics. He served 11 years as mayor, 21 years as alderman, and 6 years as a municipal council member.
Scheepers said the focus over the next year and a half should remain on Lismont and his ongoing work. She stressed that his experience and the projects he started must be respected and completed before making big changes.
Who will lead Gingelom after Patrick Lismont and continue key projects?
Scheepers highlighted several important projects currently underway. Another child care centre is in the process of being developed for families in the community. The area surrounding the town hall has been revitalised and is looking to maximise outdoor public spaces. The soccer field was improved, and a new bike path is underway.
Scheepers explained that she does not want to make big decisions right now.
“We developed the current policies together,”
She said,
“and it is important to finish the projects already planned.”
Ingrid Scheepers says she has thought carefully about her next step in politics. She describes becoming mayor as a big responsibility. Scheepers says she feels strong support from her fellow party members.
“We are a close team and have had an absolute majority for years,”
Scheepers said.
She also explained that her colleagues know her well and understand her working style. Scheepers added that while her responsibilities will grow as mayor, her approach to work and decision-making will remain largely the same.
Current mayor Patrick Lismont expressed his satisfaction with Scheepers as his successor. Lismont’s endorsement sends a clear message that ongoing projects and policies will continue smoothly under Scheepers.
“We’ve known each other for years and have worked as a team for years,”
Says Lismont.
“So the succession is assured. Ingrid received the second-most preferential votes. It’s therefore normal for her to succeed me. But first, I’m going to devote myself with full enthusiasm to my final term as mayor and our multi-year plan. Then I’ll retire.”
Ingrid Scheepers has been active in Gingelom local politics since 2006. She started as a councillor and later became an alderman. In 2016, she made history as the first alderwoman of the municipality.
Now she serves as the first alderwoman, responsible for the environment, tourism, culture, heritage, and social employment. Scheepers is also involved in social work. She provides home care for I-Mens and has worked as a messenger for the Solidaris mutual insurance company since 2005.
Patrick Lismont has been a key figure in Gingelom politics for many years. He started his political career in 1989 as a municipal council member and became an alderman in 1994. In 2016, he took on the role of mayor, which he has held ever since.
During his time in office, Gingelom has carried out several important projects, including building a new daycare centre, renovating the area around the town hall, and improving sports and recreational facilities.
