By KLTV Newsdesk –
The Acting Leader of Kirklees Council, Cllr Cathy Scott, has today (Monday 21 August) announced her new cabinet aimed at taking the organisation forward.
Cllr Scott has formally designated a Deputy Leader, and an additional group of eight Cabinet Members entrusted with pivotal determinations regarding local services. This assembly of leaders is charged with spearheading Kirklees Council’s ambitions.
Cllr Paul Davies is stepping into the role of Deputy Leader of the Council and assuming the responsibility of aiding residents through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Additionally, the council’s eight newly appointed Cabinet Members have taken up the mantle of overseeing vital portfolios tied to essential services.
‘No Time to Waste’
Speaking on the appointments, Cllr Scott said: “There’s no time to waste. I’m cracking on with the job and getting to grips with the things that really matter to people across Kirklees.
“My Cabinet has the right blend of experience and fresh ideas to overcome the challenges we face and improve lives for people across Kirklees.
“This is a highly motivated team with the interests of residents at their heart. They are every bit as keen as I am to get to work and start delivering for Kirklees.”
‘Fresh Start’
The Cabinet represents the council’s primary body for decision-making and will be tasked with shaping its priorities, devising strategies for delivering services to residents, and strategically allocating the council’s resources.
As Cllr Scott pledges a “fresh start” for Kirklees, she has also articulated her overarching vision for the council, emphasizing key priorities that will steer her leadership tenure:
- Establishing an equitable and well-rounded budget.
- Advocating for a more equitable funding arrangement from the Government to address the cost-of-living crisis in Kirklees.
- Revitalizing local towns and villages.
- Cultivating ambition among the youth and enhancing Children’s Services.
- Advancing an environmentally conscious agenda in Kirklees while taking the helm in addressing the climate emergency.
‘Grafter’
Discussing her approach to leading the council, Cllr Scott added: “Anyone who knows me knows I’m my own person. I will bring my own style and personality to the job.
“That means being open with people and telling it like it is. But it also means listening [to] and understanding people’s hopes, ideas and frustrations.
“Above all, I’m passionate about our communities and doing my best for them. I’m driven by my values of fairness and pride in our people and our places.
“That’s what gets me up in the morning and motivates me in the good times and the bad.
“I’m under no illusions. This is a tough job, but I’m a grafter, and it’s a huge privilege to work hard on behalf of Kirklees people.
“With a refreshed and motivated team around me, I’m looking forward to taking on this challenge.”
Convening for the first time today, Monday, the Cabinet is poised to discuss their initial action plans.
Expectations are high for further revelations in the days to come, underscoring the council’s resolute commitment to propelling Kirklees into an auspicious future.
Line-Up
Kirklees Council’s full Cabinet line-up, portfolios and responsibilities will be as follows:
Name | Description of Portfolio or other responsibility |
Cathy Scott | Acting Leader |
Paul Davies | Deputy Leader and Corporate |
Elizabeth Reynolds | Learning and Aspiration |
Graham Turner | Finance and Regeneration |
Viv Kendrick | Children’ Services (Statutory responsibility for Children) |
Masood Ahmed | Housing |
Gwen Lowe | Environment |
Jackie Ramsey | Health & Social Care (Statutory responsibility for Adults) |
Mussarat Pervaiz | Communities |
Yusra Hussain | Culture and Greener |