THE new leader of Wokingham Borough Council has announced his new top team.
Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner was voted in as leader of the council at an extraordinary meeting on Friday, December 14. He was proposed by Cllr Alistair Auty.
All Labour councillors and independent Cllr Richard Dolinski voted against, the Liberal Democrats abstained while those Conservative councillors present voted in favour.
He immediately set out his vision for the year ahead and introduced his team.
While some positions remain the same there are some fresh faces.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen remains as deputy leader, but becomes executive member for Highways and Transport.
Her husband Norman loses his role for environment and leisure – this goes to Cllr John Halsall.
Cllr Anthony Pollock moves from highways to finance, HR and corporate resources.
Staying put are Cllr Philip Mirfin, Cllr Stuart Munro and Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, who serve as executive members for regeneration; business and economic development; and children’s services.
Former mayor Cllr Parry Batth becomes executive member for health and wellbeing, adult social care and housing.
Cllr Simon Weeks retains his planning and enforcement brief. He has previously been chair of the planning committee.
Cllr Charles Margetts returns as deputy member for finance: he had stepped down from the role earlier in the summer.
Teaming up with Cllr Halsall is fellow Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe ward councilor Graham Howe.
Cllr Wayne Smith, whose forensic examination of the East Reading MRT helped led to its demise at planning on Wednesday night, will be the deputy member for business, while Cllr Chris Bowring becomes the deputy executive member for regeneration.
Another former mayor, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, will be the deputy member for health and wellbeing and Cllr Shahid Younis will be Cllr Helliar-Symons deputy in education.
