Nottingham City Council's executive board will soon undergo a number of changes as four councillors step down from their roles. The shake-up comes after the Labour-run council approved a new budget, with cuts to a number of services, and amid continued scrutiny from an improvement board which is overseeing efforts to balance its books.
As part of the rejig the deputy leader of the council, Sally Longford, will be standing down. Councillor Longford, who represents Lenton and Wollaton East, will drop the title of deputy after three years but retain her role as portfolio holder for energy and environment.
She said: "The role of deputy leader has at times been very challenging but rewarding, and it’s been a real privilege to have held such a key position for our great city. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the people who have supported me in these interesting times."
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And the leader of the council and Dales ward councillor, David Mellen, responded to say: “Sally has set Nottingham on an ambitious journey towards environmental sustainability and has been a loyal and dedicated deputy since she was elected to the role in 2019. Despite standing down as deputy leader, I’m pleased that Sally will continue to drive forward improvements in air quality, sustainable energy, retro-fitting of social housing and biodiversity."
Councillor Adele Williams, who has overseen adult social care since 2019 and represents Sherwood, will take her place. Councillor Williams will also become the new portfolio holder for finance.
Previously in this role was Castle ward councillor Sam Webster who will be stepping down. He will step down alongside councillor Rosemary Healy, who represents Mapperley and is the current highways and transport portfolio holder, and councillor Eunice Campbell-Clark, who represents Bulwell Forest and is the portfolio holder for leisure, culture and schools.
Councillor Mellen added: “Being elected to serve is an honour and Sally, Sam, Rosemary and Eunice have carried out their duties on my cabinet with pride and passion. Although Sam, Rosemary and Eunice have chosen to stand down from the executive this year, I know that they will continue to dedicate their efforts to the residents in Castle, Mapperley and Bulwell Forest.”
Councillor Audra Wynter, for Bestwood, who has chaired the council’s audit committee for the past two years, will also join the executive for the first time alongside Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, who has previously served as an executive assistant and represents Lenton and Wollaton East. Councillor Toby Neal, who represents Berridge and was on the executive until 2019, will re-join.
The changes will be made during meeting of the full council on May 9 this year. They are as follows:
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