New leader for council
JANE SCULLION WILL TAKE OVER FROM TIM SWIFT
COUNCILLORS have confirmed the new political Leader of their borough.
Clr Jane Scullion took up the role of Leader of Calderdale Council at the authority’s annual meeting at Halifax Town Hall.
She also announced colleagues who would be taking up Cabinet posts for the coming 12 months.
Luddenden Foot ward councillor Scullion also becomes leader of the ruling Labour group, taking over from Clr Tim Swift.
Clr Swift (Town), who has led the authority for most of the last decade, stepped down from the role at the meeting but Clr Scullion said she was delighted that he had agreed to take up her previous position as Deputy Leader.
“I think it says something about Calderdale, actually - we value experience, we value continuity and we value the work that people have done and are going to do in this chamber,” she said.
Liberal Democrat Clr Paul Bellenger (Greetland and Stainland) thanked Clr Swift for his work as Leader.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Clr Swift for the years of dedication he has put into this authority. I have full respect for Clr Swift and it has certainly been a hard job to do over the years,” he said.
Clr Bellenger said his group would support Clr Scullion as leader, adding: “Again, as a party we have respect for you, we think you have done a fantastic job over the last 12 months when you have had to step up to the role.
“You have our full support as a party, our honesty and integrity I am sure at the end of the day we will have some discussions that we may not see eye to eye on, but that is politics,” he said.
Clr Scullion and Clr Swift will be joined in the Cabinet by colleagues who have held their portfolios in the previous year.
Clr Swift will also keep his Public Health portfolio.
Clr Josh Fenton-Glynn (Lab, Calder) takes Adults Services and Wellbeing portfolio, Clr Adam Wilkinson (Lab, Sowerby Bridge) continues at Children and Young People’s Services and Clr Scott Patient (Lab, Luddenden Foot) retains Climate Action, Active Travel and Housing.
Clr Jenny Lynn (Lab, Park) heads up Public Services and Communities, Clr Silvia Dacre (Lab, Todmorden) returns to the Resources portfolio and Clr Sarah Courtney (Lab, Calder) is back with the Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector brief.
At the annual meeting, Clr Ashley Evans (Lib Dem, Warley) was confirmed as the new Mayor of Calderdale for 2023-24, with Clr Sue Holdsworth (Lib Dem, Greetland and Stainland) becoming Deputy Mayor.