WOKINGHAM’S Conservative group has announced its shadow executive for the new municipal year.
At the recent local elections, the party lost four seats, reducing the number of seats on the borough council to just 22.
Two councillors, John Kaiser and Gregor Murray, stepped down, while Parry Batth and Chris Bowring, lost their seats. Others, including Laura Blumenthal, Alison Swaddle and Michael Firmager, held on to their seats and remain on the council.
As a result, they remain as the opposition party, with the Liberal Democrats running a minority administration as they are one short of an overall majority.
The Conservative group voted to keep Cllr Pauline Jorgensen as its leader for the next 12 months.
Cllr Charles Margetts will remain in his role as spokesperson for highways and transport.
Cllr Stuart Munro will be the shadow executive member for regeneration, neighbourhoods, communities, business, and economic development.
Finance and waste services will be the brief of Cllr Norman Jorgensen.
Cllr Graham Howe continues to look at children’s services, and Cllr Phil Cunnington’s brief is health, wellbeing and adult services.
Hurst councillor Wayne Smith remains in his role of planning and enforcement, and strategic development.
Environment and leisure will be the portfolio of Cllr Rebecca Margetts.
Climate Emergency and environmental protection now becomes Cllr Peter Harper’s role, and Cllr Laura Blumenthal remains the spokesperson for levelling up, equality and social housing.
