The leader of Durham County Council has announced a new-look cabinet.
Andrew Husband announced the restructure following a review of cabinet roles and responsibilities after 100 days of Reform UK control.
The newly-elected leader renamed several roles and added a new name to the executive decision-making group ahead of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (September 17).
Cllr Husband said the new cabinet structure aligns with Reform UK’s future priorities for Durham County Council.
Cllr Husband said: “We inherited a cabinet structure that suited the previous Joint Administration. After our first 100 days of running the council, it was right that we took time to review our cabinet roles and responsibilities to ensure they align with our future direction.
“Our new cabinet structure puts the right responsibilities in the right place and maintains a focus on key areas – including the economy – with experienced and knowledgeable cabinet members making up the cabinet. The cabinet roles have also been re-named to make responsibilities clearer, with no areas of responsibility having been removed.”
Councillor Kyle Genner, of Bowburn and Coxhoe ward, has been chosen for the new role of neighbourhoods, environment and police relations.
Meanwhile, Councillor Karen Allison will take on the leisure, tourism, and high street regeneration portfolio, replacing the previously-titled economy and partnerships.
Other council departments have also been renamed, but the portfolio holders are unchanged.
Cllr Husband added: “In light of these changes, an opportunity has arisen for a new member to join the cabinet in the newly created role of portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, environment and police relations, and I am delighted to welcome Cllr Kyle Genner to the post.
“I look forward to working with the rest of the team as we look to deliver the priorities of local people in County Durham.”
The new cabinet portfolios:
- Cllr Andrew Husband: Leader of the council
- Cllr Darren Grimes: Deputy Leader of the council
- Cllr Nicola Lyons: Communities and civic resilience
- Cllr Tim McGuinness: Rural, farming and transport
- Cllr Stephen Gray: Transformation, efficiency, digital and procurement
- Cllr Karen Allison: Leisure, tourism and high street
- Cllr Kyle Genner: Neighbourhoods, environment and police relations
- Cllr Joe Quinn: Planning, investments and assets
- Cllr Howard Brown: Adult and health services
- Cllr Cathy Hunt: Children and young people’s services
