Following the recent local elections, the City Council has a new council leader. Cllr Cox starts his first leader’s blog by discussing the importance of voting and democracy and unveils his cabinet.
I am honoured to be the new leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council.
I am very much looking forward to serving the people of Southend-on-Sea, and taking forward our ideas and manifesto from the recent local elections.
I would like to thank everyone who voted on Thursday 4 May. Every vote counts so thank you for exercising your democratic right and having your say on the political landscape of our City.
Following the election, the Conservative Party gained two seats, and now have 22 elected councillors out of 51. Although this is short of the 26 required for one party to have a majority, we have formed what is called a minority administration.
As Leader of the largest group on the council, I felt that I and my group can best offer the stability that the council needs and that is why at Appointments Council last night, I put myself forwards to become Leader of the Council and form a cabinet.
Every councillor wants the best for our new City, and I can promise that the new administration is determined and committed to working hard to ensure that we do the very best we can for residents, businesses and visitors.
In addition to the responsibilities of Leader, I will also be cabinet member responsible for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as it is a topic I care about wholeheartedly.
I will be ably supported by an experienced Cabinet listed below, many of whom have served as cabinet members previously or as shadow cabinet members whilst in opposition. I know that they will all be giving it their all in the weeks and months ahead.
| Councillor | Cabinet portfolio |
|---|---|
| Cllr Tony Cox, Leader of the Council | SEND |
| Cllr Meg Davidson, Deputy Leader of the Council | Environment |
| Cllr Daniel Nelson | Economic Growth and Investment |
| Cllr James Moyies | Adult Social Care, Health, Public Health and Constitutional Affairs |
| Cllr Kevin Buck | Highways, Transport and Parking |
| Cllr Helen Boyd | Children’s Services, Education and Learning |
| Cllr James Courtenay | Community Safety and Public Protection |
| Cllr David Garston | Housing and Planning |
| Cllr Derek Jarvis | Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Leisure |
| Cllr John Lamb | Regulatory Services |
Thank you again and I look forward to working for the residents of Southend-on-Sea and helping our City fulfil its true potential, as somewhere people want to live, work and visit.
There will be much more to say in the weeks ahead, but for now have a great weekend.
Cllr Tony Cox, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council