Council appoints new Leader
A NEW Leader of Durham County Council has today been appointed at the authority’s Annual
Meeting.
Cllr Andrew Husband was voted into the post, with his appointment marking a new political
leadership for the council. Cllr Husband will lead the first Reform political group to control the
council, and announced the following appointments to his Cabinet:
Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Finance, Policy and Communication – Cllr Darren
Grimes
Cabinet member for Adults and Health Services – Cllr Howard Brown
Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services – Cllr Cathy Hunt
Cabinet member for Digital and Customer Services – Cllr Stephen Gray
Cabinet member for Economy and Partnerships – Cllr Lyndsey Fox
Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Environment– Cllr Karen Allison
Cabinet member for Stronger Communities and Belonging – Cllr Nicola Lyons
Cabinet member for Resources, Investment and Assets – Cllr Joe Quinn
Cabinet member for Rural Communities and Highways – Cllr Tim McGuinness
Cllr Husband was born and raised in County Durham and represents the Chester Le Street North
division.
Cllr Husband said: “As someone who was born and brought up in County Durham, I want to grasp
the opportunity that people have given us to make a difference. Over the coming weeks and
months, I will be setting out our plans to address many of the issues that we know are important to
people from discussions we have had with them on the doorstep.
“I am interested in common sense policies – how we can make a real difference to people’s lives
here in County Durham. Our county is an amazing place, but we know there are areas that need
investment and development, and we will be looking carefully at how we can ensure that those local
communities can be listened to and supported.
“I am also very aware that our local businesses are key to the economic success of this county –
and from day one we will work with them to help them succeed and grow. County Durham has the
largest economy in the North East, and we will be working closely with the North East Combined
Authority to bring investment and jobs here.
“We do not go into the leadership of the council unaware of the huge challenges that face us in
relation to local government funding. We will continue to work on ensuring the council is as efficient
as it can be, and we will be speaking to government about county Durham being allocated the level
of financial resources it needs to provide the services our communities rely on.
“I look forward to working with my new Cabinet to deliver meaningful change for our local
communities.
The new Chairman of Durham County Council, Robbie Rodiss, who represents Crook, was voted in
with an overwhelming majority, beating the only other candidate – nominated by Cllr John
Shuttleworth – Conservative, Richard Bell.
Cllr Rodiss is a former pupil of Wolsingham School who made his career in Durham Constabulary
as a Police Officer. Formerly of Howden-le-Wear, his mother was a well respected and well loved
teacher at the local school.
In his opening speech, Cllr Rodiss asked that respect is shown from all sides of the chamber and at
all times. It is not appropriate, he said to shout at each other or to point a finger. He stressed that
democracy must be seen to be done and admitted that mistakes in the early days of the new council
will be inevitable but made the point that being a councillor should not be for personal, financial
gain.
“I expect everyone to remember that it costs nothing to be polite,” he said before paying tribute
to outgoing Chairman, the popular Cllr Joan Nicholson as well as outgoing Vice-Chairman, Patricia
Jopling who had previously represented Crook.
