Council leader makes mark by cutting cabinet to size

Labour will be reducing the size of the cabinet from the Liberal Democrats’ previous 10 members to eight, to show that they can “do more with less” in the face of budget cuts.

Ms Dore said: “I think it’s really important that in these times of significant Government cuts we reduce the size of the cabinet.

“The cuts mean that council staff are being asked to do more with less and I think that the council’s political leaders should be prepared to do the same.

“I’m delighted to announce the Labour cabinet team who will be working to take Sheffield forward.

“They are a diverse and talented team of individuals who I know will do all they can to stand up for Sheffield in difficult times and take the city in the right direction.”

Ms Dore will lead the council, while Coun Bryan Lodge will be in charge of finance. Coun Helen Mirfin-Boukouris will be the cabinet member for business, Coun Jackie Drayton will be cabinet member for children and Coun Harry Harpham will be member for homes and regeneration.

Coun Mary Lea will be the member for health, Coun Leigh Bramall will be in charge of environment and transport, and Mick Rooney will be cabinet member for communities.

Outlining her priorities for Sheffield, Ms Dore said that the new Labour administration will be “honest with local people”, will have a “clear commitment to making sure that Sheffield is a business-friendly city” and will put a greater focus on jobs, specifically investing £500,000 on creating a new Youth Employment Fund to offer apprenticeships for those aged 16 to 19.

She said: “There is a feeling in Sheffield that the Lib Dems have presided over three wasted years where very little has been achieved.

“When we are facing such a difficult future because of the severe spending cuts coming from the Government, we can not afford to carry on in this way.

“We know that Sheffield faces enormous challenges in the coming years. I want to assure people that Labour will be a strong administration to lead Sheffield though this difficult time and take the city forward.”