Labour in major city council cabinet reshuffle after just 100 days in …
Labour has announced a reshuffle of its top team in Stoke-on-Trent just four months after taking control of the city council[1]. Jane Ashworth has kept the same nine councillors in her cabinet, but has moved them into different roles.
The Conservatives[2] said the new line-up showed Labour was out of its depth and are wasting money by creating extra cabinet roles which cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds. Labour[3] said it was important everyone was in the right job to reflect their skills and interests.
Council leader Cllr Ashworth said: “There has been much progress since I announced my first cabinet in May. Now, more than four months in, it’s right that we look to make sure everyone is in position to play to our collective strengths.
READ: Leek to Stoke train line WILL reopen after 66 years as HS2 scrapped[4] The project is being funded by money which would’ve been spent on HS2
READ: New Newcastle homeless hub to give rough sleepers a roof over their heads[5] The council want to eliminate rough sleeping by 2025
“The cabinet is a team, and like a good team, it’s important that we make sure everyone is in the right place on the field. The changes reflect the interests and skills of cabinet leads and the large portfolios of work that they have to manage.
“We will continue to work hard for the good of the city and residents, to lead with care and kindness, and to support our businesses and economy to thrive.” Conservative group leader Cllr Dan Jellyman said: “Even after spending an extra £90,000 on newly created paid positions for cabinet members, the Labour cabinet wasn’t fit to face the challenges the city faces.
“If Labour are serious about tackling the financial issues at the council, they would have reduced the size of the cabinet. To hold a cabinet reshuffle after just 100 days in power demonstrates a new administration out of its depth.”
The new line-up sees Cllr Ashworth keep her job as leader – and she will keep hold of responsibility for strategy, economic development, culture and sport. Cllr Amjid Wazir will stay on as deputy leader.
He will also remain in charge of enforcement, but is taking on a new responsibility for sustainability. Cllr Wazir is also responsible for ‘city pride’.
Cllr Duncan Walker is taking on the adults portfolio, having previously been in charge of of planning and regeneration. Cllr Sarah Hill has moved from the adults portfolio to take on the children’s services brief.
Meanwhile, Cllr Lynn Watkins is now cabinet member for health and wellbeing, having moved from children’s services. Cllr David Williams is now cabinet member for community safety and resilience, which includes supporting residents and businesses through the cost of living crisis and responsibility for customer services.
He was previously in charge of communities, education and safety and is also Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Stoke-on-Trent North. Cllr Desiree Elliott has taken on new cabinet responsibilities for education and skills and anti-poverty, having previously been the cabinet lead for health and wellbeing.
Cllr Alastair Watson will remain the lead member for finances, but his new title will be cabinet member for financial sustainability and corporate resources. Cllr Chris Robinson’s responsibilities have now been expanded from housing, to become cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning.
The confirmed new cabinet line-up is:
Cllr Jane Ashworth OBE, council leader and cabinet member for strategy, economic development, culture and sport.
Cllr Amjid Wazir, deputy leader and cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability.
Cllr Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services.
Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services.
Cllr Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for health and wellbeing.
Cllr David Williams, cabinet member for community safety and resilience.
Cllr Desiree Elliott, cabinet member for education and skills and anti-poverty.
Cllr Alastair Watson, cabinet member for financial sustainability and corporate resources.
Cllr Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning.
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References
- ^ city council (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Conservatives (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Labour (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ READ: Leek to Stoke train line WILL reopen after 66 years as HS2 scrapped (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ READ: New Newcastle homeless hub to give rough sleepers a roof over their heads (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for free email alerts to StaffordshireLive straight to your inbox here (data.reachplc.com)