New Gloucestershire Council Cabinet

Gloucestershire County Council has appointed its new chairman, leader and cabinet for the next four years.

At the first full council meeting of the new term, members voted to re-elect Cllr Tony Hicks as chairman with Cllr Phil Awford as vice-chairman. Cllr Mark Hawthorne was also re-elected as leader of the council.

The Conservative group did not win enough seats at the 2nd May election to assume overall control of the council however it is still the largest group.

There will continue to be an eight-member cabinet, which will make decisions.

As leader, Cllr Hawthorne appointed members to new cabinet roles:

·         Deputy Leader and cabinet member for finance and change – Cllr Ray Theodoulou

·         Cabinet member for highways and flood - Cllr Vernon Smith

·         Cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure – Cllr Will Windsor Clive

·         Cabinet member for children and young people – Cllr Paul McLain

·         Cabinet member for older people – Cllr Andrew Gravells

·         Cabinet member for long term care – Cllr Kathy Williams

·         Cabinet member for public health and communities – Cllr Dorcas Binns

Cllr Stan Waddington was also appointed as cabinet project champion to oversee the new highways contract the council is in the process of negotiating, and is the only cabinet champion that will be appointed.

Cllr Hawthorne said:

“My priority is to work together, with councillors of all parties and none, for the good of Gloucestershire people. During difficult financial and political times it is more important than ever that the council does all it can to run efficiently, help the vulnerable and protect jobs in our county.”

The first meeting of the new cabinet will take place on Wednesday 5th June at 10am at Shire Hall.