All change for councillors

Newark and Sherwood District Council elected a new leader at its annual meeting yesterday.

Conservative Mr Tony Roberts, who has been leader for nine years, the longest since the council was formed in 1974, made way for his deputy, Mr Roger Blaney.

Mr Blaney could be leader for four years until the next election, but gave an assurance he would stand to be elected every year or for as long as he wanted the job.

Mr Roberts becomes Mr Blaney’s deputy. Both were elected on a majority vote.

In a minor reshuffle Mr Ivor Walker has left the ruling Conservative cabinet with his portfolio of safe and strong community safety divided between other cabinet members.

A new finance and property portfolio has been created and the cabinet position taken by Mr David Lloyd.

The rest of the cabinet remains the same.

Mr Blaney’s responsibilities are for strategy and prosperity, Mr Roberts has people and communities, Mrs Nora Armstrong has cleansing, recycling, hygiene and the environment, Mr Roger Jackson has leisure and culture and Mr Bruce Laughton, health and homes.

A new councillor was welcomed. Mr Tim Wendels (Con) was elected to represent Lowdham in a by-election after the death of Mr Keith Sheppard (Con) during his year as chairman of the council.

Council chairman: Mrs Marika Tribe (Con); vice-chairman: Mr Dennis Jones (Lab).

Mr Stan Crawford (Lab) is chairman of policy overview and scrutiny; Mr Paul Handley (Con) external relations and partnerships overview and scrutiny; Mrs Yvonne Woodhead (Lab) services overview and scrutiny; and Mr David Payne (Con) planning.