Change to Mayor's Cabinet
There will be a change to Mayor Dave Hodgson's Cabinet in the new Council year 2013/14, with Cllr David Sawyer stepping down due to additional work commitments, to be replaced as Education Portfolio Holder by fellow Liberal Democrat Councillor Henry Vann. Labour Councillor Sue Oliver, Portfolio Holder for Children's Social Care, will take on the role of Lead Member for Children's Services, which is currently held by Cllr Sawyer. The changes will take effect from May 1st, in time for the new Municipal Year.
During his period as Education Portfolio Holder and Lead Member for Children's Services, Cllr Sawyer has overseen a remarkable record of achievement, with ongoing improvement in Children's Social Care recognised by the national watchdog Ofsted; 87% of schools in the Borough rated good or outstanding; Bedford Borough ranked as the best local authority area in the eastern region for education and increasingly strong and effective relationships with local schools being forged.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "I want to thank David Sawyer for his outstanding commitment to the roles of Education Portfolio Holder and Children's Services Lead Member and his work in getting the very best for the children and young people of Bedford Borough. The record of school improvement David has overseen has been remarkable and he steps down with Ofsted rating Bedford Borough as the best local authority area in the eastern region. I am delighted to welcome Henry Vann onto the Executive, and look forward to working closely with him alongside our local schools to help give all children and young people the best possible opportunities to fulfil their potential. I am also happy to confirm that Sue Oliver will be the Lead Member for Children's Services, and will bring the expertise and commitment she has shown as Children's Social Care Portfolio Holder to this additional role.
Commenting, Cllr Vann said: ""I am very pleased to join the Cabinet. I am looking forward to getting stuck in to the ongoing task: working with whole school communities, our local schools, teachers, pupils and parents in order to drive up standards for all.
"It is thanks to the efforts of whole school communities, in genuine partnership with the Borough, and the hard work of David, that we've seen real progress in education locally. I am delighted to have the opportunity to maintain and build on this momentum."
Cllr Sawyer added: "I have very much enjoyed the opportunity of working to get the very best for all children and young people right across the Borough. I am sorry to have to leave the Cabinet, but with additional work commitments I would not want to give anything less than 100% to what is a crucial, challenging role. I want to thank Mayor Dave, Cabinet and Councillor colleagues and Council Officers for their support, and also to thank local schools for their unstinting efforts to give local children and young people the very best education."