Norfolk County Council Leader George Nobbs (Lab) today (Tuesday 28 May) announced a new eight-member Cabinet, comprising five Labour members and three Liberal Democrats.
Cllr Nobbs was elected Leader of Norfolk County Council on Friday (24 May) and immediately announced the creation of two Cabinet posts for Children’s Services, and the appointment of Cllr Mick Castle, Labour member for Yarmouth North and Central, as Cabinet Member for Schools, and Cllr James Joyce, Liberal Democrat member for Reepham, as Cabinet Member for Safeguarding Children.
The full Cabinet announced by the Leader today (Tues) is:
- Cllr George Nobbs (Lab) – Leader of the Council with special responsibility for Economic Development.
- Cllr Mick Castle (Lab) – Schools.
- Cllr David Harrison (Lib Dem) – Environment, Transport, Development & Waste.
- Cllr James Joyce (Lib Dem) – Safeguarding Children.
- Cllr Steve Morphew (Lab) – Finance, Corporate and Personnel.
- Cllr Daniel Roper (Lib Dem) – Public Protection (Public Health, Trading Standards, Fire & Rescue).
- Cllr Sue Whitaker (Lab) – Adult Social Services.
- Cllr Margaret Wilkinson (Lab) – Communities (Adult Education, Libraries, Museums, Customer Service).
In addition to the Cabinet appointments, Cllr Nobbs announced that Cllr Colleen Walker, Labour Group Deputy Leader, will be taking on the vital role of Scrutiny lead.
“A Cabinet of eight Members represents a reduction that reflects the funding cuts the Norfolk County Council is facing from the Government. Although it is a smaller team, it draws upon some considerable experience, and focuses on the most critical areas – in particular Children’s Services when the people of Norfolk expect to see improvements in the performance of our schools, and assurance that our safeguarding services are keeping children safe. These services are so critical to the future of our county that I have separated them at Cabinet level, allowing Cllr Castle to focus upon schools and Cllr Joyce on safeguarding.”
Background of Cabinet Members:
Cllr George Nobbs
Labour member for Crome. First elected to Norfolk County Council in May 2005. Became Leader of the Labour Group after re-election in 2009. Elected Leader of the Council in May 2013. A local historian, writer and publisher, he lives in Eaton Rise, Norwich.
Cllr Mick Castle
Labour member for Yarmouth North & Central. Elected in May 2013, having previously served on the Council as a Cabinet member. Also a member of Great Yarmouth Borough Council where he chairs the Development Control Committee. Chairs the Yarmouth Area Committee and the North Yarmouth Resilience Group. A former chairman of Norwich Airport and the Gt Yarmouth Port Authority, he takes a special interest in economic development. A Norwich City FC season ticket holder.
Lives in Town Wall Road, Great Yarmouth.
Cllr David Harrison
Liberal Democrat member for Aylsham. First elected to Norfolk County Council in a by-election in November 2007 and was the former Lib Dem spokesperson on planning. Also serves on Broadland District Council and Aylsham Town Council. A scientist who has worked in medical and biological research, he has for the last 15 years been teaching science in local schools. Lives in Aylsham.
Cllr James Joyce
Liberal Democrat member for Reepham. First elected to Norfolk County Council in 2005 and was Liberal Democrat spokesman for Adult Social Services. He lives in Wood Dalling and runs a Post Office serving local villages. Previously worked in advertising industry, including Saatchi & Saatchi and J Walter Thompson. Serves on Broadland District Council and Reepham Town Council and several school governing bodies. Chairman of Norfolk Crimestoppers.
Cllr Steve Morphew
Labour Member for Catton Grove. Former Leader of Norwich City Council, elected to Norfolk County Council in May 2013. A full-time officer for NALGO/UNISON for 20 years, he is a consultant in human resources for not for profit organisations and for eight years has been non-executive director on Norfolk & Norwich University NHS Trust. He was a candidate in the Police and Crime Commissioner election. Lives in Catton Grove Road, Norwich.
Cllr Daniel Roper
Liberal Democrat member for Hevingham & Spixworth. Also serves on Broadland District Council where he is Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group. A qualified Probation Officer, he has worked for Probation for 15 years, most recently as a manager in community roles and in prisons. Previously served on Norwich City Council and Old Catton Parish Council.
Cllr Sue Whitaker
Labour member for Lakenham. First elected to Norfolk County Council in 2001 Re-elected in 2005 before losing her seat in 2009, later winning it back in a by-election in November 2011. Former Leader of the Labour Group and spokesperson on Adult Social Services,former Trust Board Member of the N&NU Hospital. Lives in City Road, Norwich. Governor of the Hewett School, Norwich. Sue is also a trustee of Future Projects in Norwich.
Cllr Margaret Wilkinson
Labour member for Gaywood South. Elected in May. A long-serving member of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, she is also former Magistrate. Moved to the Fairstead Estate, King’s Lynn, from London in 1967. Now retired, she worked at the Gayton Road surgical centre for many years. She is married with two children and three grandsons.
For political comment
- Cllr George Nobbs, Leader of the Labour Group and Leader of the Council, on 01603 611406;
- Cllr Bill Borrett, Leader of the Conservative Group, on 01362 860200;
- Cllr Toby Coke, Leader of the UKIP Group, on 01328 838288;
- Cllr Marie Strong, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, on 07920 286597;
- Cllr Richard Bearman, Leader of the Green Party Group, on 01603 504124.
For further information please contact: John Birchall Senior media and public affairs officer, Norfolk County Council Tel: 01603 224222 Email : [email protected]
