Merton Council’s majority group has elected its new Cabinet for the coming year which features two new faces.
Councillor Amanda Ramsay elected, as Dundonald Ward councillor at last years local election will take up the newly created Cabinet Portfolio for Equal and Social Inclusion. Councillor Ramsay’s role will be dedicated to focusing on equality issues full time and stepping up the council commitment to social inclusion.
And as Councillor Maxi Martin takes up the prestigious title of first citizen of the borough, Abbey Ward Councillor Pauline Abrams will carry on improving social services by taking up the role of Cabinet Member for Care Services.
As well as new faces, the council has also changed the focus of one Cabinet position. The role of Councillor Mark Allison. He was elected as Ward Councillor for Lavender Ward in last years local election and will be now be Cabinet Member for Customer Services. Councillor Allison will focus on developing communication between the council and residents using a range of channels including the new Contact Centre and Merton Link.
In addition a handful of Cabinet Members, although their responsibilities have not changed, their portfolio names have.
Deputy Leader Councillor Danny Connellan will become Cabinet Member for Strategic Resources. Councillor Su Assinen will become Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Cultural Services.
However there will be no changes to four Cabinet Members. Councillor Steve Austin remains as Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Linda Kirby continues as Cabinet Member for Environmental Quality and Councillor Russell Makin will be Cabinet Member for Transport and Planning and Councillor Geraldine Stanford, Cabinet Member for Education and Life Long Learning.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Andrew Judge is looking forward to working with his new Cabinet. Of the new Cabinet Role for Equalities Councillor Andrew Judge said: “Merton was the first authority in the UK to draw up an action plan in response to the Macpherson report as a result of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. Councillor Amanda Ramsey responsibility will be to continue this excellent work.”
He continued about the year ahead: “Merton Council has a big year ahead. We have a great team in place to make sure we serve the people of the borough to the best of our abilities.”
Ends
Notes to Editor
1) Merton’s Majority Group is the Labour Party
2) The total number of members of the Cabinet will be ten.
3) The Cabinet meet once a fortnight and are resp