Kirklees Council cabinet finally announced as leader brands delays as 'unfortunate'
The leader of Kirklees Council has finally announced her “all-Reform” cabinet, despite all cabinet meetings being cancelled until September.
Almost a week after being selected to lead the council, Reform UK’s group leader, Sarah Wood, announced her new cabinet, made of “all-Reform” councillors, on Tuesday, July 21.
The announcement comes as all council cabinet meetings appear to have been removed from the council’s calendar until September.
The reason for this is currently unclear, but Kirklees Council and Coun Wood have been contacted for further comment.
Coun Wood said “it was unfortunate” that her group “had to wait for this moment,” which has caused “delays” to some council governance processes.
Coun Wood said: “We are here now and I’m delighted to appoint a cabinet that brings together people with real expertise, practical experience and a shared commitment to serving the people of Kirklees.”
The cabinet is the council’s main decision-making body, made up of councillors appointed by the leader to oversee major service areas and make decisions on the council’s priorities, policies, and spending.
The appointments mark the beginning of the new administration’s programme, with cabinet members taking responsibility for services that affect people’s lives across Kirklees.
The new cabinet for Kirklees Council includes:
- Coun Sarah Wood, leader
- Coun Mark Smith, Deputy leader
- Coun Gill Floyd, Children’s Services (statutory responsibility for children)
- Coun Rob Butler, Education and SEND
- Coun Michael Simmons, Adult Social Care and Public Health Communities
- Coun Philip James, Housing and Physical Communities
- Coun Pip Harvey, Place, Culture, and Volunteering
- Coun John Hardie, Regeneration, Highways, and Transport
Coun Wood said: “We promised change in Kirklees, and we’re wasting no time in getting started.
"Our administration will be guided by clear principles: putting Kirklees citizens first, promoting civic pride and patriotism, keeping our communities safe, and ensuring the council lives within its means through responsible financial management.”