Last night’s Annual Council saw changes to Cabinet roles announced and the new Chair of Lichfield District Council sworn in.
The Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Doug Pullen, announced a number of changes to Cabinet roles at last night’s Annual Council meeting, which was held on Tuesday 18 May 2021 at Burntwood Leisure Centre to allow for social distancing.
The changes will see Councillor Ashley Yeates move from Community Engagement to Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Recycling.
Councillor Richard Cox will move from Leisure, Parks and Waste to take over responsibility for Community Engagement.
Councillor Iain Eadie, who remains Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Local Plan, will add Parks and Leisure to his portfolio.
Councillor Liz Little keeps Major Projects and Councillor Andy Smith’s role changes to Cabinet Member for Innovation and Corporate Services and Councillor Rob Strachan’s role is updated to Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Revenues and Benefits. Councillor Angela Lax’s role remains unchanged.
Of the updated Cabinet, Councillor Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said:“We’ve got a lot of work to do as we emerge from Covid; our visitor economy needs boosting, the City Centre Masterplan needs focus, our community engagement needs improving, and we need to embrace new ways of working.
“I’ve aligned Cabinet Members’ portfolios to our delivery plan rather than historic council departments. I fully expect this to mean my Cabinet are able to make rapid progress on their respective responsibilities.”
The meeting also saw Councillor Barry Gwilt sworn in as the new Chair and Councillor Colin Greatorex as the Vice Chair of Lichfield District Council.
Councillor Gwilt replaces Councillor Joe Powell as Chair after two years in the role.
As the Chair, Councillor Gwilt will represent the district at a range of events that take place across the district and region, including royal visits, community events and formal openings. He will also chair council meetings throughout the year.
Councillor Barry Gwilt, Chair of Lichfield District Council, said: “I am honoured to be taking up the role of Chair and I am looking forward to representing the district council.
“It will give me a chance to meet interesting people and find out about projects across the district and beyond.
“I am also looking forward to raising money for my chosen charity, which is the Lichfield branch of Parkinson’s UK in memory of my mom, Jacqueline, who passed away from Parkinson’s in 2015.”
The appointment of Simon Fletcher as permanent Chief Executive of Lichfield District Council was also approved at Annual Council.
Ends
Media enquiries
Esther Epstein, Press & Communications Officer, Lichfield District Council
t. 01543 308778 m. 07834 951630 e. esther.epstein@lichfielddc.gov.uk
2021 Cabinet full roles and titles:
· Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of the Council
· Councillor Iain Eadie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Local Plan, Parks & Leisure
· Councillor Rob Strachan, Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Revenues & Benefits
· Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement
· Councillor Andy Smith, Cabinet Member for Innovation & Corporate Services
· Councillor Liz Little, Cabinet Member for Major Projects
· Councillor Angela Lax, Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Housing & Health
· Councillor Ashley Yeates, Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Recycling
About Councillor Barry Gwilt – Chair of Lichfield District Council:
· Barry lives in Wall and was raised in Whittington.
· He is 49 years of age.
· Barry is married to Denise. They have an 18-year-old son who is training to be an electrician.
· He is the Managing Director of a catering business. He also has a cleaning company and a campervan hire business.
· Hobbies include motor sports and classic cars.
