When the
election result for Redcar and Cleveland Council was so close, the minor Groups
were prepared to work in a rainbow alliance that reflected the way residents
had voted.
Labour rejected
this proposal and were handed power for the next four years by the Eston
Independent.
Under this system cabinet positions would be proportionate to the
number of seats won.
A rainbow
alliance would have mitigated the Ed Miliband left wing leanings of many in the
Labour Group.
To counteract
this, the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Independents have formed a
Coalition opposition group and will work to ensure that policies fair to all of
our residents are implemented and that extreme policies planned by Labour are
strongly opposed.
We plan to be a
strong opposition, which holds Labour to account and gives high importance to
matters which will improve the quality of life for all residents and supports
business in order to bring jobs and prosperity to our Borough.
The Shadow
Cabinet portfolios will not exactly mirror Labour’s, as the Coalition believes
that these should reflect the priorities of the Council: improving health,
particularly of the disadvantaged; giving choice and control over their care to
disabled and older people; increasing education and skills opportunities; and
providing high quality environment services, as demanded by residents.
The Shadow
Cabinet is:
Area of
Responsibility
|
Name
|
Shadow Leader of the Council
|
Valerie Halton
|
Corporate Resources
|
Glyn Nightingale
|
Public Health and Housing
|
Mary Ovens
|
Social Care and Wellbeing and
Shadow Deputy Leader
|
Josh Mason
|
Lifelong Learning
|
Steve Kay
|
Rural Affairs and Tourism
|
Graham Jeffery
|
Economic Development, Culture and
Leisure
|
Philip Thomson
|
Environment
|
Chris Abbott
|
Community Safety
|
Stuart Smith
|
Highways, Planning and
Infrastructure
|
Mary Lanigan
|
