"I have tried to get a balance of experience and young talent and I have brought more women into the cabinet to give the line-up a better mix." Says Keith. Well, they are certainly "younger" and the number of women has increased by 50% from two to three.
He also said: "Deciding on the line-up was a very tough decision; I had a lot of talent to draw from." Oh really?
Anyway those who got the elbow are Cllrs Hugget, Stark, Aaron and Goody. Also leaving the cabinet is Cllr Chan but he is going to be Mayor. So, that’s five vacancies.
The rising stars are:
Michelle Dunn – Environment and Highways. Has been on the scrutiny committee for a while and is personally recommended by a former Leader. We have high expectations and hope to see her at the Environment Partnership meetings.
Gary Monro – Children’s Services. I have discussed matters general with him on his now defunct blog and he is quite lively. At least Cllr Griffin will now know who he is, perhaps.
Robin Turbefield – Housing. Currently Chairman of the Environment & Highways Scrutiny committee and, I think, the only councillor to attend an Environment Partnership meeting. He got brownie points for that. Not a second string to Batman.
Nick Hayes - Planning and Regeneration. The man who "knocked up" an opposing candidate on election day in 2006. Tells a story long, but knows his stuff. Likes to get into the detail. Promising.And there is a return for that sparkling Comet:
Sue Nolan – Resources. Has been in remote orbit for far too long. Although has featured extensively in the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian with an ex-Bill actor.Of those that remain, Cllr Prince is obviously the Leader, John Fairley-Churchill retains Adult Social Services & Health, Vanessa Cole stays with Community Safety and Ronnie Barden continues with Finance, which leaves Alan Weinberg [the deposed Leader] taking on Culture and Leisure, otherwise known as the "poison chalise".
With such an energetic and lively line-up one wonders whether the more "senior" members will be able to cope with Cabinet meetings without having their usual nap – they did seem to spend large parts of last Wednesday’s Area 4 meeting asleep.
Putting Cllr Weinburg in charge of Culture seems just a little like putting Dracula in charge of a Blood Bank, I hadn't noticed his great interest in matters cultural.
ReplyDeleteAlso the culture bit includes allotments to which he has not been a great friend in the past.
Was his appointment to the cabinet a sop to stop him causing trouble?
Sorry my position in the council means I must stay anonymous. if you decide to publish.
I am glad it's Cllr Weinberg in charge of allotments. I cannot see any possibility to stop moaning about allotment policies in Redbridge and also their management methods, for the time being, and no way could I moan properly at the rest of the Cabinet (most have been so helpful throughout). My introduction to local politics re the allotment 'strategy' was through Cllr Prince, followed by Cllr Barden, followed by Cllr Huggett). It's not without trepidation that I prepare myself to be on the receiving end of sharp replies from the new appointee!
ReplyDeleteBut, I have been trained upwards, I should cope!
annesevant
An old soldier like Cllr Weinberg
ReplyDeleteshould retire gracefully and not be included in the Cabinet of the new administration of Redbridge Council.
Residents need to be aware he may undermine the Cllr's Prince administrationas he did so in the past by absenting himself with others from Council
resulting in the fall of Redbridge Conservative administation of the late Cllr Burgess.(Council Minutes
dated 20th May 2004 is proof)
Allotment holders need to be aware
that the sale of Allotments was raised under the Weinberg Watch and need to keep an eagle eye on his actions as they want plots not houses.
No mention of Mr Weinberg's Military background here.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Cllr Hayes on his appointment.I hope under his
ReplyDeletedirection the Regeneration of Barkingside will speed up rather than previously that of a tortoise
under the former holder of this post.
Congratulations to Cllr Hayes on his appointment.I hope under his
ReplyDeletedirection the Regeneration of Barkingside will speed up rather than previously that of a tortoise
under the former holder of this post, says anonymous.
Congrats from me as well, of course, and, I am sure, plenty of us.
However, 'the hare and the tortoise' and, 'act in haste and repent at leisure' are two good old sayings!
But, I know our cabinet cllr at area 3 has a wise head on young shoulders!
annesevant