It’s all change as trio swap jobs

10:27am Tuesday 20th May 2008

THREE of the best known councillors in York are to swap jobs, in a shake-up of the ruling executive at City of York Council.

As revealed exclusively in The Press, the Liberal Democrats look set to remain in power into 2008/09, with the backing of the Conservatives.

The Labour opposition has launched a bid to seize control, but although they won the backing of the Greens, the Conservatives are siding with the Lib Dems.

Both main parties have now unveiled their planned front-bench teams. The Lib Dems will be led by new party leader Andrew Waller, who replaces the outgoing Steve Galloway.

In turn, current transport boss Ann Reid will replace Coun Waller as executive member for neighbourhood services, with responsibility for issues such as street cleanliness and recycling.

Outgoing council leader Steve Galloway will take on Coun Reid's old job as city strategy executive member, with responsibility for transport and planning issues.

Meanwhile, deputy leader Ceredig Jamieson-Ball will be replaced by Carol Runciman, who will also remain as executive member for children's services including education.

Keith Aspden and Sue Sunderland leave the executive, which is being cut from nine members to seven to save money.

Coun Jamieson-Ball stays as corporate services member; Sue Galloway takes responsibility for housing and adult social services; and Christian Vassie retains responsibility for leisure, culture and social inclusion.

For Labour, David Scott and Ruth Potter remain as leader and deputy respectively, regardless of whether they form the executive or shadow executive. Coun Potter also replaces Tracey Simpson-Laing as city strategy member, with the latter taking on responsibility for housing and adult social services.

Ken King moves to neighbourhood services, with Janet Looker taking over leisure, culture and social inclusion. Dave Merrett covers children's services, and Julie Gunnell tackles corporate services.

Coun Scott said his team would be "innovative" and would work "to tackle the major challenges ahead, as well as correct the mistakes of recent years".

He added: "We have been quite clear about our priorities for the council over the coming months. We will tackle the issue of carbon emissions and look into becoming a carbon trading council."

Coun Waller said: "The team that the Liberal Democrats are putting forward has experience and a clear view of the challenges and opportunities for their areas of the council.

"The strength of the team is second to none in the council chamber, in that their appointments are also reflective of each councillor's experience in the world outside the political arena."

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