All ‘Chainge’ at Redditch Borough Council

The new Mayor of Redditch was elected last night and has chosen to support a charity which is close to her heart for the year ahead.

Cllr Joanna Kane was unanimously elected by Council colleagues and her chosen charity is the Primrose Hospice.

Mayor Cllr Kane said: “To be the Mayor of Redditch is an honour and privilege and I will continue to promote this wonderful Borough.

“My mother-in-law received care from her local hospice and I have seen first-hand the difference they make to patients, carers and families.

“I look forward to getting out and about and meeting as many of our residents and community groups as possible.”

Outgoing Mayor Cllr Juma Begum raised £4362 for her chosen charities, the Primrose Hospice and Redditch Disability Support Project.

At the annual meeting of Redditch Borough Council Cllr Sharon Harvey was also elected as Leader and Cllr Jane Spilsbury as her Deputy.

Cllr Harvey said: “This is the first time we have had three women at the helm of the Borough Council and this is very exciting.

“We have already had quite the year, achieving so much for the town and our residents. I look forward to further success as we work together to create a Borough of which we can all be proud.”

The Council’s Executive was also agreed and includes:

Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Environmental Services Cllr Sharon Harvey

Dep. Leader and Portfolio Holder for Performance, Engagement and Governance Cllr Jane Spilsbury

Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Ian Woodall

Portfolio Holder for Community Services and Safeguarding Responsibilities Cllr Monica Stringfellow

Portfolio Holder for Community Spaces and Voluntary Sector Cllr Juma Begum

Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Recreation Cllr Juliet Barker-Smith

Portfolio Holder for Housing Cllr Bill Hartnett

Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Biodiversity Cllr Jen Snape