Stockport council’s new leader has appointed his top team as the Lib Dems take take charge at the town hall for the first time in six years. Councillor Mark Hunter defeated Labour’s Elise Wilson in a crunch vote over who would form the next administration after the local elections left the authority under no overall control.
His first job was to confirm his cabinet. These are the eight senior councillors - including himself - who will take responsibility for areas ranging from education and regeneration, to housing and finance.
Coun Hunter has hailed a ‘fresh start’ at the town hall, adding that he is ‘delighted to be working alongside such a talented cabinet with wide ranging skills and experience’. Coun Hunter said: “We have hit the ground running with a review already launched into the removal of library services from our Carnegie-endowment Central Library, and work has started on understanding the financial position we have inherited from the previous administration.
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“We are ambitious for Stockport and we want to ensure we deliver for our residents and businesses, in close cooperation with all partners.”
The new cabinet is as follows.
Coun Mark Hunter - leader of the council
This is Coun Hunter's second stint as leader having previously held the top job for three years in the early 2000s, before serving as the MP for Cheadle between 2005 and 2015.
He will focus on strategic partnerships - including at city region level - as well as the council’s policy, performance, communications and consultations.
Coun Wendy Meikle - deputy leader and cabinet member for education, children and families
A councillor for 18 years and a cabinet member in the previous Lib Dem administration, Coun Meikle has been shadow cabinet member for children and families for the past six years.
Coun Malcolm Allan - cabinet member for finance and resources
A councillor for six years and a maths graduate with more than 25 years’ experience as a director in large manufacturing companies, his portfolio includes responsibility for HR and sustainability.
Coun Mark Roberts , cabinet member for climate change and environment
Described by colleagues as ‘a passionate driver for change’ Coun Roberts took a particular interest in climate change and environmental issues whilst serving as chair of the old communities and housing scrutiny committee.
He was a member of the previous shadow cabinet and his portfolio has been reintroduced from the last Lib Dem administration.
Coun Grace Baynham - cabinet member for highways, parks and leisure services
The Stepping Hill councillor is a member of a number of arts and heritage organisations and has also served on a number of committees since becoming a councillor three years ago. She has many years’ experience of working in the NHS.
Coun Colin MacAlister , cabinet member for economy and regeneration
A past Mayor and deputy Mayor of Stockport with over 34 years’ experience as a Councillor, Coun MacAlister now takes on the role he has shadowed for the past four years.
Coun Helen Foster-Grime , cabinet member for communities and housing
Coun Foster-Grime is now in her ninth year as a councillor, including experience as a cabinet and shadow cabinet member. She has more than 20 years’ experience leading organisations, as well as playing an active role in community and volunteer groups.
Coun Keith Holloway , cabinet member for health and adult social care
Coun Holloway has now served as a councillor for more than a decade following many years working in the NHS.
The Cheadle and Gatley ward councillor is a former cabinet and shadow cabinet member and also previously served as chair of the adult social care and health scrutiny committee.
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