Cabinet reshuffle announced

The new Cabinet comprises members with business management, local government, judicial, political and engineering experience.

The refreshed top-team, which has been put together following last week's local elections, sees an increase in Portfolio holders from eight to nine. The new face joining the Cabinet is Councillor Tony Cox, who will be Executive Councillor for Public Protection & Waste.

Councillor Ian Robertson, who was previously the Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, is now responsible for Enterprise , Tourism, and Regeneration, with previous portfolio holder Councillor John Lamb now being able to focus more on his Deputy Leader role in a newly created Cabinet position called the Deputy Leader Portfolio.

Councillor Anna Waite and Councillor Mark Flewitt have swapped Portfolio responsibilities to develop broader insight and expertise across the Cabinet, with Councillor Waite now responsible for Social Care, Health and Housing, and Councillor Flewitt responsible for Transport & Planning.

Councillor Andrew Moring retains his role as Executive Councillor for Corporate Support Services, with Councillor Roger Hadley, Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, and Councillor Derek Jarvis, Executive Councillor for Culture, also continuing their Cabinet positions.

Councillor Holdcroft said: "I believe we have a balanced and enthusiastic Cabinet line-up which reflects a range of expertise and experience, with changes made to bring a broader insight across the Cabinet. I think strength comes from diversity and within this team we have people from a variety of backgrounds, providing a range and depth of talent, which will ensure that the Council is able to continue to provide a wide range of cost effective and efficient services to the public."

"I am very pleased to welcome Tony to the Cabinet. Tony is a well respected councillor, both by residents and his peers. He was re-elected in West Shoebury Ward last week with a majority of 1,412.

"This Cabinet is committed to tackling some of the most difficult challenges ahead, including public sector finance restraints with ever growing demands on our services, whilst still maintaining standards in service delivery and making sure our programme of sustained and continuous improvement is met."

Councillor Cox, the youngest ever Cabinet member appointed at Southend, said: "I am delighted to have been chosen to have a more prominent role within the Council and take on the responsibility for the Public Protection and Waste Portfolio, particularly at a time when services are improving, and our recycling rate is rising and is well above the national average.

"It is great to have been rewarded in this way for my previous hard work. It really does go to show that young people in local government who are committed and work hard can play a major role."

All the Cabinet positions and their responsibilities are expected to be formally approved at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 20th May 2010.

For more information about this media release please call the Media and Communications Team on 01702-215000 ext 5939 or 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk.