New Mayor, new look for Redditch Borough Council

Redditch Borough Council elected a new Mayor and Leader as leadership at the authority changed hands.

Cllr Susan Eacock was voted in as Mayor of Redditch at last night’s (May 26) Annual Meeting of the Council, where Cllr Matt Dormer was elected Leader.

Cllr Eacock said: “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to serve as the Mayor of Redditch, which is a true honour and a privilege.”

The new Mayor chose Touchstones, Redditch Nightstop, Animal Foodbank UK, Friends of Isaac’s Food Bank, and Redditch Self Defence Association as the charities that will benefit from civic fundraising during her civic year.

Cllr James Aston was elected Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Dormer formed a new Executive Committee after being elected Leader by a vote of councillors. Its membership is:

Leader of the Council – Councillor Matt Dormer

Responsibility for Regeneration, Economic Development, Strategic Partnerships, Town Deal / DMIC, Corporate Leadership, External Relations, overall strategic leadership of the authority, Health, Regulatory Services, Leisure and Recreation and Planning

Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance – Councillor Craig Warhurst

Responsibility for Finance, Governance, Performance, Constitutional Matters, Audit and Efficiency and Transformation Programme

Portfolio Holder Environment and Local Services – Councillor Brandon Clayton

Responsibility for Environmental Services, Waste and Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces, Operational Services and Neighbourhood Management

Portfolio Holder Climate and Biodiversity - Councillor Gemma Monaco

Responsibility for Climate Change, Biodiversity, Sustainability Initiatives and Green Infrastructure

Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities – Councillor Ashley Monk

Responsibility for Housing, Homelessness, Tenant Services, Community Safety and Safeguarding

Executive Member Without Portfolio, Councillor Wanda King

Cllr Dormer said: “We aim to move things forward. We aim to get a lot of things done.

“There is a lot already ongoing with local government reorganisation, and there will be continuity there and very little shakeup - but we do aim to get things moving and get things sorted in Redditch.”

In handing the chain of office over to Cllr Eacock, outgoing Mayor Cllr Joanna Kane spoke to thank everyone who contributed to events throughout her year in office, which included raising £4,417 for her chosen charity, Primrose Hospice.

She added: “Being Mayor has been the honour of my life. Thank you, Redditch.”