Derbyshire County Council announces new Cabinet line-up

The newly-elected Derbyshire County Council has announced its intended key appointments ahead of the authority's annual general meeting (AGM) on 26 May.

The Conservatives retained control of the county council in last week's local elections, and now have 45 seats out of a total of 64. Labour hold 14 seats, while the Liberal Democrats have four and the Green Party gained one seat.

The new Cabinet line-up – to be confirmed at the council's AGM – is:

• Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change – Councillor Barry Lewis
• Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Budget – Simon Spencer
• Cabinet Member for Adult Care – Natalie Hoy
• Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment  – Carolyn Renwick
• Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport  – Kewal Singh Athwal
• Cabinet Member for Education – Alex Dale
• Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Safeguarding – Julie Patten
• Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration – Tony King
• Cabinet Member for Health and Communities – Carol Hart

Trevor Ainsworth will remain the Council Chairman, with Jean Wharmby becoming the Civic Chairman, and David Wilson as Civic Vice Chairman. Stuart Swann will support the Cabinet in his role as the chief whip.

'We are putting the green agenda at the centre of everything we do' 

County council leader Barry Lewis has outlined the authority's plans and priorities going forward. 

“I’m delighted that I am able to announce our intended new team following the election who will deliver our commitments made to the people of Derbyshire," he said. 

“We will take more steps to deal with climate change and are putting the green agenda at the centre of everything we do. In order to drive our agenda forward we are setting up a new Climate Change and Carbon Reduction Committee. This committee will hold the council to account and ensure we meet our pledge to achieve net carbon emissions from the County Council’s own estate and property by 2032 and take the lead in helping to achieve this for the whole of Derbyshire by 2050.

“We also know that young people have been significantly affected over the past year so we will be unveiling plans to help with skills and employment opportunities, particularly focusing on the most disadvantaged in our society. We’ll also be prioritising the mental health of our young people.

“As we announced last autumn, we are about to embark on the largest programme of improvements on our roads for many years. This year we will spend in excess of £40m on improving roads, drains, bridges, retaining walls and pavements.

“And of course, our work to help the county recover from the pandemic will carry on. We will be doing all we can, with our partners, to get businesses back on their feet and get more people into work. It’s an ambitious programme, but with this excellent team it is one that I know we can deliver.”

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