Wolverhampton Council leader unveils top team tasked with 'relighting city'
Wolverhampton Council's leader has unveiled his new-look cabinet top team – which will be tasked with 'relighting' the city as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following this month's local elections, Councillor Ian Brookfield has taken the decision to reshuffle his cabinet – adding new faces to the line-up.
The cabinet will provide the political leadership as the council focuses on its ‘Relighting the City’ strategy and the five priorities of supporting people who need it most, creating more opportunities for young people, generating more jobs and learning opportunities, growing vital local businesses and stimulating vibrant high streets and communities.
At Wednesday evening's annual full council meeting, it was agreed the cabinet would form of Councillor Ian Brookfield, council leader – resources; Councillor Stephen Simkins, deputy leader – city economy; Councillor Linda Leach – adults; Councillor Beverley Momenabadi – children and young people; Councillor Steve Evans – city environment and climate change; and Councillor Mike Hardacre – education.
Also in the top team are Councillor Paula Brookfield – governance; Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal – housing and city assets; Councillor Jasbir Jaspal – public health and wellbeing; and Councillor Obaida Ahmed – digital city.
Councillor Stephen Simkins is the new deputy leader of the council after being voted for by members of the controlling Labour Group. Councillor Simkins will continue in his role as cabinet member for city economy.
The reshuffle sees three first-time cabinet members including Ettingshall Councillor Beverley Momenabadi who is responsible for children and young people; Wednesfield South Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal who will oversee housing and city assets; and St Peter’s Councillor Obaida Ahmed who is the first ever cabinet member for digital city.
Climate change
In another change, Councillor Steve Evans will now be responsible for climate change in addition to city environment.
Councillor Brookfield said: “I am delighted to announce the new-look cabinet that will relight our city as we emerge from the pandemic and look towards the future.
“During the pandemic, we spoke with and listened to thousands of residents, businesses and other stakeholders to find out what really matters to the people of Wolverhampton. The changes I’ve made to the cabinet roles reflect what they told us.
“Our commitment to climate change will help deliver plans to be carbon neutral by 2028 and create a city that’s ready to seize jobs and growth opportunities from the green agenda.
“We are also focused on being a digital city - making sure Wolverhampton is at the forefront of digital infrastructure and innovation.
“The new look Cabinet is also about making sure we have the right people in the right roles to see our plans through. We now have a fantastic mix of experience, energy and passion to deliver on the priorities for relighting our city.
“The pandemic has hit us hard but we are ready to continue our journey of recovery and do what we do best – to look after our own and create a better future for everyone in Wolverhampton.”
