A new Leader of Durham County Council has today been appointed at the authority’s annual meeting.
Cllr Andrew Husband was voted into the post, with his appointment marking a new political leadership for the council.
Cllr Husband will lead the first Reform political group to control the council, and announced the following appointments to his cabinet:
• Deputy leader and cabinet member for finance, policy and communication – Cllr Darren Grimes
• Cabinet member for:
• adults and health services – Cllr Howard Brown
• children and young people’s services – Cllr Cathy Hunt
• digital and customer services – Cllr Stephen Gray
• economy and partnerships – Cllr Lyndsey Fox
• neighbourhoods and environment– Cllr Karen Allison
• stronger communities and belonging – Cllr Nicola Lyons
• resources, investment and assets – Cllr Joe Quinn
• rural communities and highways – Cllr Tim McGuinness
Cllr Husband was born and raised in County Durham and represents the Chester Le Street North division.
Cllr Husband said: “As someone who was born and brought up in County Durham, I want to grasp the opportunity that people have given us to make a difference.
“Over the coming weeks and months, I will be setting out our plans to address many of the issues that we know are important to people from discussions we have had with them on the doorstep.
“I am interested in common sense policies – how we can make a real difference to people’s lives here in County Durham.
“Our county is an amazing place, but we know there are areas that need investment and development, and we will be looking carefully at how we can ensure that those local communities can be listened to and supported.
“I am also very aware that our local businesses are key to the economic success of this county – and from day one we will work with them to help them succeed and grow.
“County Durham has the largest economy in the North East, and we will be working closely with the North East Combined Authority to bring investment and jobs here.
“We do not go into the leadership of the council unaware of the huge challenges that face us in relation to local government funding.
“We will continue to work on ensuring the council is as efficient as it can be, and we will be speaking to government about county Durham being allocated the level of financial resources it needs to provide the services our communities rely on.
“I look forward to working with my new cabinet to deliver meaningful change for our local communities.”