THE LEADER of Coventry City Council (CCC) will stay in his role – but as the head of a minority administration.
Coun George Duggins has been appointed as council leader, continuing in the position he has held since 2016.
But he will now lead a minority Labour administration following May’s local elections which returned a council with no overall control.
Although Labour – which has had a controlling majority at the council since 2010 – is the largest group with 24 seats, no party has overall control at the council. Reform has 20 seats, the Conservatives six and the Green Party four.
No cross-party deals were struck to achieve an overall majority.
Coun Duggins said: “This is an administration of collaboration and change. The election results reflect the mood of residents across Coventry, and we have listened.
“While Labour is the largest party on this council, we are committed to working constructively across all groups to continue delivering on the priorities that matter most to the people of this city – good jobs, quality homes, safe communities and the services residents and families depend on.”
Coun Lynnette Kelly has been appointed as the new Deputy Leader, taking on the Cabinet portfolio for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change. Her portfolio covers economic development, city centre regeneration, transportation, sustainability and climate change, and inward investment.
Coun Mal Mutton joins the Cabinet as the new Member for Children and Young People, with responsibility for children’s social care, safeguarding, corporate parenting, and support for young people across the city. She tales on responsibility for Children’s Services which was recently rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
Coun John McNicholas also joins the Cabinet as the new Member for Community Safety and Cohesion, overseeing community safety, public protection and licensing, democratic and electoral services, and legal services.
Coun Abdul Salam Khan moves portfolio, taking on the role of Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Equalities – covering schools, SEND, libraries, adult education, skills and employability, and equalities.
The remaining Cabinet Members retain their portfolios from the previous administration.
