Conservative Mayor fails to deliver first manifesto promise

The new Conservative Mayor has already failed on one of his manifesto promises to include a new Portfolio Holder for Families, press releasing a new title but failing to issue the correct role to Full Council. At Full Council, the Mayor was given the opportunity to select his cabinet and their roles within the Executive, but chose not to fulfil a major manifesto promise.

Liberal Democrat Group Leader, Cllr Henry Vann said "It is disappointing that the new Mayor has failed to deliver his first election commitment at his very first council meeting. He promised a new portfolio holder for families on his cabinet, but that role was sadly nowhere to be seen. In fact families aren't even mentioned.

"Families of all types are supported by the council already in so many different ways. Just some examples of the previous council's support included the introduction of free school meal vouchers for school holidays, new SEND initiatives, all Children's Centres protected, new schools built as well as new free to use outdoor play areas.

"What matters is results, not empty pledges, but it is not a good start to the year to ignore a key pledge within the first few days. And if it is simply a mistake or error then it's a very telling one if he didn't even notice that what was such a prominent election pledge was missing from his first ever report to the Council."

In a further omission highlighted by Cllr Dean Crofts, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Kingsbrook and Spokesperson for Health, key legislation and responsibilities were missing from the Executive Scheme of Delegation (the second report of the Mayor).

Cllr Crofts said "It is not clear who is responsible for new legislation to help tackle homelessness under the Homelessness Reduction Act. This urgently needs updating so that legal duties are clear to the residents of the Borough."