A new deputy leader has been formally appointed at Knowsley Council.
After former councillor Louise Harbour became the second Whitefield ward member and deputy leader of the authority to lose her seat in as many years, council boss, Cllr Graham Morgan has moved to confirm his third second-in-command in 24 months.
In 2021, Labour’s former deputy leader Sean Donnelly lost his seat in Kirkby to former firefighter Steve Smith. On May 6, it was confirmed independent member Cllr Steve Guy had usurped Ms Harbour after four years in her role.
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The ECHO revealed earlier this month that Roby councillor Margaret Harvey had been made deputy leader of the area’s Labour group and she has subsequently been confirmed by the full council to assume the position on the local authority. Cllr Morgan said his group had “unanimously” voted for Cllr Harvey to take on the role and said the cabinet member for children’s services was an “experienced” choice to serve as his number two.
On losing two deputies in two years, Cllr Morgan told the ECHO earlier this month “there was a lot of nastiness and untruths during the campaign and on social media” and he “can’t put a finger on it”.
Cllr Morgan confirmed the make-up of his cabinet during this afternoon’s meeting of the full council. Cllr Del Arnall was appointed to lead on adult social care, replacing Ms Harbour in the role.
Cllr Arnall represents the Page Moss ward having first been elected in March 2018. Cllr Morgan said he was “certain” Cllr Anrnall would play an important role in developing policy in her “crucial” area.
The five other members, Cllrs Harvey, Shelley Powell, Jayne Aston, Christine Bannon and Tony Brennan have retained their seats on Cllr Morgan’s top table in their existing roles. He said he was proud to lead an inclusive team whereby the majority of seats were held by women.
Cllr Eddie Connor was elected unanimously by members of the council to serve as mayor of the borough for the next 12 months. The Labour member for Northwood ward has served as a councillor since May 2012 and replaced outgoing mayor Cllr Frank Walsh.
Cllr Connor said he was “honoured” to be chosen to represent the borough and paid tribute to his predecessor, Cllr Walsh. Cllr Morgan said Cllr Walsh had performed “sterling work” and had been a great ambassador for Knowsley in his back to back terms as Mayor.
