Mayor Dave Announces Cabinet Changes Following Re-Election

Following his re-election with an increased majority, Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced changes to his Cabinet. The new Cabinet sees Mayor Dave joined by four Liberal Democrat and four Labour Members, representing groups comprising well over half of the seats won in the recent Council elections. The appointments allow for the continuation of the extremely successful partnership work of the groups on the Cabinet, which, despite huge reductions in the Council's funding, has protected services and cut or frozen council tax for five straight years.

The new Executive Members on the Cabinet are Labour Cllrs Mohammad Yasin and Louise Jackson, who take on the Adult Services and Public Health portfolios, respectively. Previous Children's Social Care Portfolio Holder Cllr Sue Oliver has chosen to stand down from an Executive role but continues as Leader of the Labour Group on the Borough Council.. Cllr Shan Hunt becomes Children's Social Care Portfolio Holder. Former Adult Services Portfolio Holder Cllr Colleen Atkins becomes Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, while Cllr Sarah-Jayne Holland takes on the Leisure and Culture portfolio. The full list of Executive Members is included below.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "This is an extremely strong team which is well set to continue the local record of protecting vital services and getting things done for the benefit of communities right across Bedford Borough. I am extremely grateful to all those who supported me in the election, and I know that all Members of the Cabinet are committed to working together to continue to get the best for local residents."

Labour Group Leader Cllr Sue Oliver added: "The Labour Group has increased in size and I'm confident our Portfolio Holders offer a mix of experience and new talent. We've worked together in recent years to protect frontline services from the sharp reductions in government funding to local councils. We'll continue to work hard to provide the best possible services for all Bedford Borough residents."

Following the above-reported changes, the composition of the Mayor's Executive is as follows:

• Mayor Dave Hodgson: Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Rural Affairs and Partnerships
• Cllr Charles Royden: Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport
• Cllr Colleen Atkins: Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services
• Cllr Michael Headley: Finance
• Cllr Sarah-Jayne Holland: Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture
• Cllr Shan Hunt: Childrens Social Care (Lead Member for Children's Services)
• Cllr Louise Jackson: Public Health
• Cllr Henry Vann: Education
• Cllr Mohammad Yasin: Adult Services