New Administration for Winchester City Council
Cllr Kelsie Learney was elected Leader of Winchester City Council last night at the Annual Council meeting in the Guildhall.
As the majority party, the Liberal Democrats have formed the Cabinet with new Portfolios being created in line with their priorities for the Council.
Cllr Learney, as Leader, will take responsibility for transformation and resources, with a focus on the Council’s budget and improving the use of the council’s assets including its property and land.
Cllr Learney said "Our goal is to provide excellent services for our community and we must have a sound financial base from which to work. That aside the new administration is concentrating on making our towns and villages greener and safer and generally more pleasant places to live."
Two new roles for Cabinet members have been created; one for Winchester and the surrounding areas, and one for the rural parts of the district and the market towns. The new Cabinet members will act as ‘champions’, defending the interests of our communities and focussing on improving the quality of life for local people in their areas.
Portfolios allocated to other Cabinet members are as follows:
Area leads
Cllr Brian Collin – Portfolio Holder for Winchester and Surrounds
Cllr Therese Evans – Portfolio Holder for Rural areas and Market Towns
Council Priority Outcome leads
Cllr Eleanor Bell - Portfolio Holder for High Quality Environment
Cllr Lucille Thompson - Portfolio Holder for Communities
Cllr Dominic Hiscock - Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity
Chairmen of Council Committees are:
Licensing and Regulation – Cllr Jacey Jackson
Planning Development Control – Cllr Robert Johnston
Personnel – Cllr Simon Cook
Principal Scrutiny – Cllr Colin Chamberlain
Standards – Mr P Smith (Independent Member)
Appeals and Disputes – Cllr Ray Pearce
Housing Appeals – Cllr Sue Nelmes
Following the elections the Liberal Democrats hold 29 seats, the Conservatives 26, Independents 2
and Labour 0