Radical shake-up for Liverpool city council’s executive board

May 20 2008 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL council leader Warren Bradley last night unveiled a completely new look to his decision-making cabinet following the local elections held earlier this month.

In a radical shake-up of the executive board, a range of new posts have been created as well as a permanent deputy leader.

Cllr Bradley will now be hoping he can put the crises of the past few weeks and months behind him, which has seen the ruling Liberal Democrats cling to power by their fingertips following disappointing local election results.

The names of the new cabinet members were put forward at a private meeting of the Lib Dem group last night, and will have to be formally ratified at a full meeting of the council tonight.

Cllr Flo Clucas has been nominated to the high-profile position of permanent deputy leader – a role which previously rotated between different executive board members – as well as having responsibility for finance and Europe.

Among the new faces in the cabinet are Cllrs Gary Millar (enterprise and tourism), Paula Keaveney (ethical governance), and Ron Gould (health, care and safeguarding).

Cllrs Berni Turner, Marilyn Fielding, Peter Millea, and Keith Turner all remain in the cabinet, with Steve Hurst becoming the executive member for corporate performance.

Council leader Warren Bradley said last night: “After 10 years in power, I thought it was time to give an opportunity to some of the younger, up and coming members.

“The election results were disappointing, but we are moving on and moving forward, and these new roles are based around the priorities of the city.

“It’s a bit like picking the Cup Final team, but I believe they will take the city forward.”

Cllr Bradley added the make-up of the new cabinet aimed to address the stinging criticisms made about the council’s finances in the Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), which named Liverpool the worst local authority in the country.

Deputy leader designate Flo Clucas said: “I’m delighted with the team that has been chosen.

“It’s a mixture of significant experience, youth, and experience in fields outside politics.

“I see the future as full of promise and I’m extremely proud of what everyone has achieved. I am now looking forward, not to the past.”

alanweston@dailypost.co.uk