LABOUR has released details of the men and women who will control council services in York for the next four years following its landslide win in the local government elections.
Council leader-in-waiting James Alexander has revealed his inner circle will be known as a cabinet and will be one more than the seven-councillor executive that surrounded defeated Lib Dem leader Andrew Waller.
The new eight-councillor team to be confirmed at the council’s annual meeting next week will include the new portfolio of crime and community safety, to be held by Coun Sandy Fraser.
Coun Alexander said: “Crime is one of the most important issues to residents and through this role we will show that crime reduction and prevention is a priority for this administration.”
The costs of the additional role will be met by reorganising council committees, he said.
Coun Alexander said: “We will be led by residents and not by a structure of committees and roles which fails to reflect their priorities for the city.
“We look forward to the work ahead of us and making sure that Labour puts residents back at the heart of decision-making in the city.
“We also look forward to constructive scrutiny of our decisions by councillors of all parties, showing we are confident and not afraid to be challenged on the decisions we make.”
Coun Alexander will have responsibility for economic development. Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing will be deputy council leader and take over the health, housing and adult social services role.
Coun Ruth Potter will head education, children and young people, Coun Dave Merrett will be responsible for city strategy, Coun Sonja Crisp will head leisure, culture and social inclusion and Coun Julie Gunnell will be responsible for corporate services.
Coun Janet Looker will have responsibility for communities and neighbourhoods.
The Conservative group will release details of its spokesmen and spokeswomen later this week following its annual general meeting. It is currently headed by Coun Ian Gillies and is now the second largest group on the council.
Lib Dems led by all-women team
THE Liberal Democrats will be the first council group to be led by an all-women team following its annual meeting earlier this week.
Coun Carol Runciman moves up after three years as deputy group leader to head the group and her deputy will be Coun Ann Reid, formerly executive member for neighbourhood services.
Coun Runciman said: “There is no doubt that we find ourselves in a very different position after the recent election but we are a very experienced team. We will ensure we hit the ground running and put pressure on Labour to their promises to the residents of York.”
She said the eight years of Lib Dem administration had had a positive impact on the city and had left a balanced budget that ensured no libraries, swimming pools or youth centres had to be closed.
Coun Runciman said: “I will be making sure that we closely scrutinise everything Labour do in order to ensure they continue to deliver the high quality services that York residents have come to expect.
“Labour has promised the residents of York many things in the run up to the election. It is now up to them to ensure they deliver on those promises. If they do not we will be sure to hold them to account.”
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