St Helens’ Reform era up and running
Senior positions among members have now been formally allocated at a meeting of full council, following the shift in power at 7 May’s local elections.
The council will now be led by Cllr George Woodward, who was chosen as leader of the Reform group in the days before the meeting, his leadership of the council being signed off at yesterday’s meeting.
Other key cabinet roles will be filled by Cllr David Kemp, responsible for the finance & governance portfolio; Cllr Gary Egerton (business, highways & transport), and Cllr Jack Benyon, who will head up regeneration, property & planning.
The meeting was wrapped up in reasonably short order, although not without some debate over the incoming mayor, with other parties putting forward veteran Conservative Cllr Linda Musell, effectively for a year of transition – a motion rebuffed by the Reform majority in favour of Cllr Stephen Little.
There was also disquiet over Reform launching the process of hiring a political assistant, which will cost the council around £40,000 a year. Reform’s hefty majority – it now holds 34 of 46 seats in St Helens – again saw its motion carried.
A mistake St Helens will soon realise, just hope any remaining care homes can survive the predicable public services cull.
By GetItBuilt!
£40k a year for an “assistant”? Thought Reform wanted to save money!!
By Levelling Up Manager
One of the best run LPA’s in the North West. Pragmatic and supportive of good development. Hopefully, that will remain the case despite the politics behind the scenes. Time will tell!
By Anonymous
Let the chaos begin.
By Anonymous
You came to my house in Catherine way before the election mine was ths one in the conner detach with brown windows. You tryed to pass me a leaflet. I replied no need you’ve got my vote you gave a thumbs up and said thank s . Please don’t let me down thanks
By Dave
God help us
By Anonymous
RIP services
By Emmer winder
£40000 is a drop in the Ocean compared to what the previous administration have spent.
By Tommo