TWO Coventry City Council cabinet members have been removed from their posts in a reshuffle.
They include long-standing councillor Ed Ruane, who Labour group sources told us on Tuesday night was among victims of a purge of ‘younger’ councillors displaced by a return of the older guard.
Coun Ruane has long worked for Geoffrey Robinson MP and was a council cabinet member under former council leader Ann Lucas, who was ousted by the divided Labour group in 2016 in favour of current leader George Duggins.
Coun Duggins has now given a cabinet job to stalwart councillor Mal Mutton, who is also married to finance cabinet member John Mutton, both thought to be loyal to Coun Duggins.
Coun Duggins served as deputy leader to John Mutton prior to being ousted by Coun Lucas in 2014.
Former chair of scrutiny Tariq Khan – who was elected in 2010 during the former Mutton administration – also returns to become the new cabinet member for housing and communities, replacing Coun Ruane.
As a fellow Foleshill councillor and lawyer, he is an ally of deputy leader Adbul Khan.
A challenging portfolio, Coun Ruane faced sustained criticism from campaigners against the loss of green belt land.
Coun Mal Mutton will be the new cabinet member for adult services, taking over from Coun Faye Abbott.
Coun Duggins said in a statement today: “We have achieved a lot over the last 12 months and I’d like to place on record my thanks to Councillors Ed Ruane and Faye Abbott for all of their hard work over the last three years.
“Our new additions join our other experienced cabinet members, meaning we have a dedicated and talented team in place that is committed to providing quality governance and services to the people of Coventry.
“These are very exciting times for our city but also very tough times for local authorities for reasons that are well documented.
“I believe these changes will make sure we are well-placed to meet our objectives and priorities over the next 12 months.”
All changes and appointments of chairs to all Coventry City Council committees, will come into effect at Coventry City Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 16.
