On 15 October, Councillor Matthew Hicks, the Leader of Suffolk County Council, announced changes to the councillors in his Cabinet.
The reshuffle creates closer links between key policy areas such as the environment and Sizewell C and brings new ideas into the Council’s Cabinet.
In the reshuffle:
- Councillor Mary Evans remains as Deputy Leader and moves into the role of Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.
- Councillor Gordon Jones moves into the role of Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.
- Councillor Andrew Reid joins the Cabinet as Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs.
- Councillor Richard Smith leaves the Cabinet after four and half years in the role.
- Councillor Nick Gowrley takes on additional responsibility for the County Council’s property portfolio and assets, in addition to his responsibilities as Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Housing and Enterprise.
- Councillor Richard Rout takes on responsibility for the council’s policy on Sizewell C, in addition and linked to his role as Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection.
All other Cabinet positions remain the same.
In addition to the Cabinet changes, Councillor Karen Soons becomes chair of the Pension Fund Committee, a position previously held by Councillor Andrew Reid.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“I am confident that my Cabinet will continue to prioritise the needs of the people of Suffolk whilst making the difficult decisions that come with the role.
“It is important that we refresh and revise the way in which we work so we can continue to challenge ourselves, expand our skill and expertise and improve what we do.
“I want to thank Richard Smith for his time as cabinet member for finance. He has made an outstanding contribution in ensuring we manage our finances in a measured, effective and prudent way and I know he will continue to make a difference to Suffolk residents.”
