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| The new Cabinet |
A challenge to Cllr Muhammed Butt's leadership by Cllr Neil Nerva was beaten at today's Labour AGM when Butt won 75% of the votes.
Cllr Michael Pavey narrowly beat Cllr Ruth Moher for the Deputy Leadership. Pavey told Labour councillors that he would devote all his energy to supporting Cllr Butt's reforms, freeing the leader to 'lead from the front'. His precise brief in addition to being deputy has not been decided but a source said that he was likely to be a 'more political' deputy.
Cllr James Denselow beat Cllr Aslam Choudry by three votes for the Stronger Communities portfolio. This will make him responsible for community and voluntary sector engagement, libraries and crime reduction.
Cllr George Crane stood down from the Executive and Cllr Margaret McLennan will take on regeneration policy, Crane's former portfolio, as well as housing.
Cllr Roxanne Mashari will take on a new portfolio for Employment and Skills and newly elected Cllr Keith Perrin will become lead member for the Environment.
Cllr Krupesh Hirani will continue as lead member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing and Cllr Ruth Moher will take over Michael Pavey's position as Lead Member for the renamed Children and Young People portfolio.
The Cabinet will consist of 8 members compared with 10 on the previous Executive.
Cllr Pat Harrison continues as Labour Group chair and Cllr Sandra Kabir replaces Cllr Shafique Choudhary as Labour Chief Whip.
Cllr Kana Naheerathan will be Labour's nomination for Mayor and Cllr Lesley Jones deputy,
The proposal that the Labour leader should only face re-election every four years, instead of annually, will be decided later. It has proved controversial with Cllr Butt apparently claiming that he cannot keep looking over his shoulder every year.
Chairs of Scrutiny, Planning and other committees will be decided on Monday.
