Shadow Cabinet Announced - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh News. The Southend Labour Group of Councillors now forms the largest opposition group.

The Southend Labour Group of Councillors now forms the largest opposition group.

FOLLOWING the confirmation of a new minority Conservative administration on Thursday May 18, the Southend Labour Group of Councillors now forms the largest opposition group.

Southend Labour has announced a shadow cabinet of nine who will have primary responsibility for holding the Conservatives to account and demonstrating the alternative Labour offers.

Coun Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Labour Group said: “I’m delighted to confirm Labour’s Shadow Cabinet for this civic year.

“It was incredibly difficult to pick nine people as our group is bursting with talent and ability, but I believe we have the right balance to provide the robust opposition needed to prevent this Tory minority administration from inflicting damage on our city.

“Within minutes of taking control of the council, the Tories awarded themselves with an extra 2 cabinet spaces, increasing cabinet allowances by almost £36k on top of what the City Partnership had budgeted.

“I think this is the wrong thing to do when people are struggling with the cost of living crisis and it speaks volumes about where the Tories’ priorities lay.”

Coun Anne Jones, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group said: “Daniel has put together a really strong Shadow Cabinet, which complements our experienced members with rising stars and much needed diversity and representation for women.

“I’m really proud to be working with this group of councillors and I know that we are not just holding the Tories to account, but preparing for administration.”

Labour’s Shadow Cabinet members and their shadow executive areas are:

Coun Daniel Cowan Highways Improvement, Infrastructure and Strategy (Leader)

Coun Anne Jones Housing, Planning, and the Local Plan (Deputy Leader)

Coun Laurie Burton SEND, Learning, Children and Youth Services

Coun Matt Dent Public Protection and Safer Communities

Coun Ian Gilbert Business, Regeneration, and Finance

Coun Lydia Hyde Climate Change, Environment and Waste

Coun Cheryl Nevin Social Care, Health Integration, and Public Health

Coun Kevin Robinson Destination Southend, Arts, Culture, and Leisure

Coun Maxine Sadza Community Inclusion, Diversity, and Regulatory Services

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