DERBYSHIRE: New county council line-up announced

Council leader Cllr Anne Western – the first female leader of the authority – said the move marked a fresh start for the authority with new people and new portfolios to reflect their key priorities.

Labour regained control of the county council in last week’s local elections after four years in opposition gaining 20 seats. Labour now has 43 seats, the Conservatives 18 seats and the Liberal Democrats three seats.

The new Cabinet line-up – to be confirmed at the council’s AGM on May 15 – has been named as:

• Cllr Anne Western, leader, strategic policy and budget

* Cllr Kevin Gillott, deputy leader, children and young people

* Cllr Joan Dixon, cabinet member, economy, jobs and transport

* Cllr Dave Allen, cabinet member, health and communities

* Cllr Clare Neill, cabinet member, adult social care

* Cllr Brian Ridgway, cabinet member, council services

Councillor Western said: “We have an ambitious and exciting manifesto to deliver over the next four years.

“I’m really proud that we’ve got a strong team which has an equal mix of men and women to represent Derbyshire’s population and put our plans into action.

“Over the next four years we’ll fight for a fair deal for Derbyshire, listen to what people say, understand what they need and provide officers with strong leadership to deliver services which meet those needs.

“We’ll also champion our county, our residents, our heritage and our environment which all make Derbyshire a great place to live and work.”

Pictured above is council leader Cllr Anne Western (third right) with her new cabinet (from left) Cllrs Clare Neill, Brian Ridgway, Kevin Gillott, Dave Allen and Joan Dixon.