Published: Thursday 20th May 2021 | 8.20am
Members of Cannock Chase Council have made appointments to key roles at their Annual Council Meeting held last night (19 May). They follow the recent District Council Elections on 6 May.
Councillors have also agreed on a proposal to share the chief executive role with neighbouring Stafford Borough Council.
New Leader of the Council is Councillor Olivia Lyons (pictured) whose Conservative Group took overall control of the Council in the elections securing a majority of seven seats. Councillor Lyons has become one of the youngest council leaders in the country at the age of 29. She is a ward member for Western Springs in Rugeley.
Councillor Doug Smith (pictured below) who represents Cannock West Ward was elected as Chairman for the new civic year by his fellow Members. His Vice Chairman is Councillor Martyn Buttery who represents Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury Ward.
Details were also announced of the new Cabinet which will be led by Councillor Lyons. The Cabinet members are:
- Councillor Olivia Lyons, Leader of the Council
- Councillor Bryan Jones, Deputy Leader of the Council and Neighbourhood Safety and Partnerships Portfolio Leader
- Councillor Val Jones, Community Engagement, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Leader
- Councillor Mike Sutherland, District Development Portfolio Leader
- Councillor Justin Johnson, Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Leader
- Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Housing, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Leader
- Councillor Phil Hewitt, Innovation and High Streets Portfolio Leader
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Stafford Borough Council, Tim Clegg (pictured below), will become the Joint Chief Executive of both Cannock Chase and Stafford Borough councils following agreement given by Cannock Chase councillors and Stafford Borough councillors, who gave their approval on Monday.
Tim will begin his new role on 1 June, assuming the role of Head of Paid Service on 1 August when the Interim Managing Director at Cannock Chase Council Bob Kean retires at the end of July. He will be supported by two deputy chief executives, one appointed from Cannock Chase leadership team and the other from Stafford Borough’s leadership team.
At an Extraordinary Council Meeting held before the Annual Council Meeting at Cannock Chase, Members agreed to confer Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman status on former councillors Gordon Alcott, Zaphne Stretton MBE, Diane Todd and Patricia Ansell. Formal presentations will made at the next Council meeting in July in recognition of their appointments.
Speaking at the Annual Council Meeting, Leader of the Council, Councillor Olivia Lyons said:
“It really is truly an honour to be elected Leader of the Council. At the elections we put engagement with residents first and foremost and I thank all those who supported us. But whether you supported us or not, my Cabinet and I will work tirelessly for all our residents and businesses across all the work we carry out on your behalf with officers of the Council.
“We have a unique opportunity after this pandemic to build an ambitious future for our District, not only to survive the coming months and years but to actually thrive. I hope to oversee a collective effort from the whole Council to achieve this aim.
“We will put centre stage a commitment to support our economy and especially small businesses, to actively respond to climate change, and to improve our parks and the local environment we have all cherished during these lockdown periods. For example, next month at our first Cabinet we will be discussing a parking pilot initiative to boost trade in our town centres.”
The new Chairman, Councillor Doug Smith, said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed Chairman of the Council. It’s a great privilege to be the official representative of the Council on civic and ceremonial occasions and to lead meetings of the Full Council, while from a charitable point of view I have decided to support Riding for the Disabled Association - Stafford and District Group during my year of service.”
Notes:
Cannock Chase Council: It has 41 Members who represent 15 Wards in the District. Following the District Council Elections on 6 May, the new political composition of the Council is Conservatives 24, Labour 9, Chase Community Independents 5, Liberal Democrats 2, Green Party 1.
Biography of Councillor Olivia Lyons, Leader of Cannock Chase Council
Councillor Olivia Lyons was elected to Cannock Chase Council in 2018 and became the Leader of the Opposition in 2019. She works as a trainee solicitor for a legal practice in Rugeley. She has several interests in the town including being a Member of Rugeley Town Council and roles with Rugeley in Bloom, Rugeley Youth Council and Forest Hills Primary School. Olivia is engaged to fellow District Councillor, Councillor Robert Hughes. They live in Rugeley.
Biography of Councillor Doug Smith, Chairman of Cannock Chase Council
Councillor Doug Smith was elected to Cannock Chase Council in 2016. Originally from Birmingham he moved to Cannock in 1975. He served with West Midlands Police and for over 20 years was in the mounted police division until an accident in 1996 ended his police career. A lifelong love for horses has seen him involved in equestrian Paralympic Games and involvement with the RDA charity where he is an Honorary Life Vice President. He is married to Pamela and they have two daughters and three grandchildren.
Biography of Tim Clegg, Joint Chief Executive of Cannock Chase Council and Stafford Borough Council (from 1 June)
Tim Clegg became Chief Executive of Stafford Borough Council in 2016. He was previously Director of Strategic Partnerships, Planning and Streetpride at Derby City Council and has served more than 30 years in senior strategic roles within the public sector. He lives in Stone with his wife and they have an adult son.