Essex County Council has announced some changes to Cabinet Member portfolios in a move that paves the way for a Greater Essex Devolution Deal, with the greater powers around transport, skills and the economy coming into the region.
The portfolios of Councillor Tom Cunningham and Councillor Lee Scott will swap with the responsibility for Infrastructure remaining with Councillor Cunningham.
Councillor Cunningham will now be Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport.
This portfolio will lead on connecting people and places to opportunities through an effective, modern, well maintained and sustainable multi-modal transport network.
Councillor Scott will now take on the role of Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy.
This portfolio will focus on shaping great places through regeneration, housing, planning and garden communities.
Business growth and sector development will now fall under the responsibility of the Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, Councillor Tony Ball.
Councillor Ball will work alongside the Deputy Leader, Councillor Louise McKinlay who has responsibility for economic strategy and strategic business engagement, to provide a voice as partners to the business and further education community.
The full list of Cabinet Member and Deputy Cabinet Member portfolios is below.
Councillor Kevin Bentley Leader.
Councillor Louise McKinlay Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement.
Councillor Beverley Egan Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years.
Councillor John Spence Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and ICS Integration.
Councillor Tony Ball Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability.
Councillor Lee Scott Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy.
Councillor Chris Whitbread The Chancellor of Essex.
Councillor Tom Cunningham Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport.
Councillor Peter Schwier Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling.
Councillor Mark Durham Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture.
Deputy Cabinet Members
Councillor Mark Platt Deputy to the Deputy Leader and Deputy Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement. Also Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport portfolio when required.
Councillor Jane Fleming and Councillor Jaymey McIvor Deputy Cabinet Members for Health, Adult Social Care and ICS Integration.
Councillor Laureen Shaw Deputy Cabinet Member under Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport
Councillor Andrew Sheldon Deputy Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Life Long Learning and Employability.
Councillor Bob Massey Deputy Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment, Waste Reduction and recycling.
Councillor Lynette Bowers Flint Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Early Years.
Special Lead Members
Some Deputy Cabinet Members are known as Special Lead Members. Theses members are deputies to the leader and have responsibilities for devolution, transformation, major infrastructure projects and freeports and highways communications. Special Lead Members are:
Councillor Graham Butland
Councillor Derrick Louis
Councillor Lesley Wagland
Councillor Holly Whitbread