Stockport Liberal Democrats announce new Cabinet
Stockport Liberal Democrats have made changes to their Cabinet Team ahead of Stockport Council’s Annual Meeting on the 20th May.
The changes will see an injection of fresh faces as 3 members will serve on the cabinet for their first time. The Cabinet will work under the Leadership of the newly elected Group Leader, Cllr Mark Roberts, joined by Cllr Jilly Julian as Deputy Leader who continues to serve as the member with responsibility for finances.
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Mark Roberts, said: “I am so pleased to be able to announce our crack team of local champions for Cabinet. The challenges we face are considerable in the light of national pressures but I’m more than confident that we will rise to those challenges. We have a strong foundation to build on from the previous Liberal Democrat administration that helps to ensure we will deliver on our priorities and ambition for the people of Stockport. Building a fairer, more prosperous and sustainable place to grow up, raise a family and enjoy old age. Living happy, healthy lives in a fair, free and tolerant society.”
The new faces that join current cabinet members Cllr Grace Baynham, Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cllr Jilly Julian and Cllr Wendy Meikle are:
Cllr Jake Austin, the new lead for Housing and the Environment, who said: “After working for councils across Greater Manchester and advocating for stronger housing and climate change policy in last year’s GM Mayoral election, I am looking forward to being an advocate for our fantastic borough as we face those challenges together.
"Four years ago, my husband and I chose Stockport as our home because we believe on its vision and future. I am proud to play my part in making it happen.”
Cllr Micheala Meikle, who has been appointed the new lead for Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said: “I was born, raised and continue to live in Stockport and feel deeply invested in its success. It is a privilege to raise my family in such a forward thinking, diverse and thriving borough. In my new role I’m looking forward to contributing to Stockport’s ongoing development.”
Cllr Dan Oliver, the new lead for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, has extensive experience in both the public and voluntary sector. Dan said: “I am deeply passionate about communities and social justice, with a professional career that has involved tackling poverty across GM and leading campaigns for national policy change. I’ve lived in Stockport my whole life and always looked for ways in which I can best serve my community, such as leading a local youth group for more than a decade.”
The four remaining cabinet members all served during the past civic year, however there have been some changes made to their roles.
Cllr Jilly Julian continues as the Council’s lead for Finance and Resources, but also steps up to the role of Deputy Leader. Jilly balances raising a young family and running her own business all alongside her tireless work in the community. Jilly’s previous years working on the cabinet were spent focused on protecting Stockport’s frontline services in the face of national government cuts.
Cllr Foster-Grime will now serve as the lead for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care. As a lifelong borough resident with board level experience of blue chip companies, Helen has built a strong record of public service in her elected volunteer role. She has served as a cabinet member previously and is driven by a passion for helping the people of Stockport
Meanwhile, Cllr Grace Baynham will continue in her role as Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, bringing with her several years of experience working within the NHS, and three years on the cabinet. Grace is driven by trying to do her best by for the people of Stockport for the coming year.
The final member of the cabinet is Cllr Wendy Meikle, who continues as lead member for Children Families and Education. Wendy is looking forward to building upon the successes of her previous term working as a cabinet member, and is driven by a passion to continue to be a champion for all the early years help that Stockport provides.
Cllr Mark Roberts added: “As we move into a new chapter, it’s important to thank both the outgoing Leader, Cllr Mark Hunter, and outgoing cabinet members, Cllr Keith Holloway, and Cllr Colin MacAlister for their incredible work over the last few years. They have always put Stockport first and we wouldn’t be in such a strong position without them. Cheadle Hulme South and Marple South & High Lane are lucky to have such excellent representatives to continue fighting their corner.
“For the coming year, I am incredibly pleased with the talented individuals that I’ll be working alongside. There is a healthy mix of different perspectives and life experience, and I believe we are fully equipped to face the challenges ahead, and keep Stockport moving forward.”