Cabinet Change - Thanks to Cllr Huckle and Welcome to the Cabinet to Cllr McMurdo

I am very pleased that Independent Councillor Doug McMurdo has accepted my invitation to join the Cabinet as Leisure and Culture Portfolio Holder, after Cllr Barry Huckle informed me that he wishes to step down from the Cabinet in order to give him more time to pursue other interests. I have thanked Barry for his hard work on the Cabinet, and know that he will continue to make a full contribution on the Council in the interests of local residents. I am very much looking forward to working with Doug, who is Ward Councillor for Sharnbrook, and I know that he is ready to get stuck into the challenges ahead.

Doug is aware of the difficult financial situation facing the Council due to the national financial crisis, and is committed to the shared goal of keeping council tax down while prioritising the protection of front line services.

This is what Doug had to say on his appointment: "I am very pleased to join the Cabinet and look forward to starting work across the full range of the portfolio. I recognise the significant challenges that lie ahead and firmly believe these can be addressed over the coming months and years with a focus on protecting frontline services for residents throughout the Borough."