Holdcroft announces Cabinet reshuffle
Nigel Holdcroft, the Conservative Council leader, has announced his reshuffled Cabinet.
The Cabinet is selected from the party in the Council with the majority, and comprises the portfolio holders for various areas of government, such as transport, social care or children and learning.
The Council has created a new cabinet position; that of Deputy Leader Portfolio holder. This takes the total Cabinet positions up to nine.
Cllr Ian Robertson is now responsible for Enterprise, Tourism and Regeneration, moving from Public Protection and Waste and replacing Cllr John Lamb.
Cllr Lamb has moved into the new Deputy Leader portfolio holder position.
Cllr Anna Waite has been moved to Social Care Health and Housing, whilst Cllr Mark Flewitt has taken over Transport and Planning.
Cllr Andrew Moring has remained the executive for Corporate Support Services. Cllr Roger Hadley remains Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, and Cllr Derek Jarvis is still responsible for Culture.
Cllr Holdcroft said: “I believe we have a balanced and enthusiastic Cabinet line-up which reflects a range of expertise and experience, with changes made to bring a broader insight across the Cabinet.
“I think strength comes from diversity and within this team we have people from a variety of backgrounds, providing a range and depth of talent, which will ensure that the Council is able to continue to provide a wide range of cost effective and efficient services to the public.
“This Cabinet is committed to tackling some of the most difficult challenges ahead, including public sector finance restraints with ever growing demands on our services, whilst still maintaining standards in service delivery and making sure our programme of sustained and continuous improvement is met.”
The changes were not met without opposition from the Labour group within the Council. Stephen George, Labour councillor for the Kursaal ward, said: “During this election campaign we’ve heard the Tories talk a lot about reducing public spending and making efficiency savings.
“Now by creating an additional cabinet portfolio they will be costing Southend tax-payers in excess of £10,000.
“It’s ironic that they’re doing this in the week where they’ve cancelled a cabinet meeting because there isn’t enough for them to discuss.
“It would appear that following their local election gains the local Tories are even more arrogant towards local council taxpayers.
“Instead of creating a new Executive position the Leader of the Council, Councillor Holdcroft might like to consider following the example set by the new Prime Minister and reduce the allowance received by members of the Cabinet by a minimum of five per cent.”
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