Newcastle Labour has announced a new-look Cabinet putting action on climate change, protecting neighbourhood services and creating jobs at the heart of the council’s priorities.
Two new Cabinet positions have been created as Labour strengthens political leadership in areas facing some of the biggest challenges for Newcastle.
Cllr Clare Penny-Evans will take responsibility for the new Climate Change and Communities portfolio, leading work to establish a Climate Change Convention for Newcastle alongside her responsibilities for supporting communities, community safety, tackling discrimination and celebrating the city’s diversity.
The change follows Newcastle’s declaration of a climate emergency earlier this year and Labour’s commitment to work towards making Newcastle carbon neutral by 2030.
Cllr John-Paul Stephenson also joins the Cabinet in the newly created Neighbourhoods and Public Health portfolio.
His responsibilities will include neighbourhood facilities and community buildings alongside public health, giving neighbourhood services a dedicated voice around the Cabinet table.
Employment and investment also remain central to Labour’s programme, with Cllr Ged Bell continuing to lead the council’s work on jobs, investment and economic development.
The changes mean Newcastle’s Cabinet will have dedicated political leadership covering climate change, neighbourhoods, housing, employment, education, health and social care, transport and the environment.
Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “This Cabinet is committed to addressing the climate emergency facing our city, stands by our communities and is a Cabinet with job creation at its heart.
“From Climate Change to Brexit, it’s important we are ready for the challenges we face. With these changes I am making clear we are prepared to take on the challenges facing Newcastle together.
“I welcome Cllr Stephenson to the Cabinet, helping us safeguard essential neighbourhood services in the face of Government austerity.”
The changes build on Labour’s decision earlier this year to create a dedicated Housing portfolio and strengthen the council’s focus on delivering the homes Newcastle needs.
With the city facing challenges ranging from climate change and pressure on neighbourhood services to housing and employment, Labour says the new Cabinet structure will ensure those priorities have clear political leadership.