New faces in Wakefield Council Cabinet after reshuffle

A new Cabinet post looking specifically at skills and jobs in the Wakefield district has been created by the local council.
Coun Faith Heptinstall is the new Cabinet member for adults and health.Coun Faith Heptinstall is the new Cabinet member for adults and health.
Coun Faith Heptinstall is the new Cabinet member for adults and health.

The authority has highlighted jobs as a "key" area, following the publication of a report last year that said a third of the area's workforce was under threat from the rise of robotics.

The council says the post will help oversee its ambition to increase skill levels across the district, as it looks to mitigate the impact new technology will have on the jobs market.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Michael Graham, who was returned to his council seat in Wakefield West at the local elections earlier this month, will be the first person to hold the role.

South Elmsall and South Kirkby councillor Michelle Collins has been appointed as Coun Graham's deputy.South Elmsall and South Kirkby councillor Michelle Collins has been appointed as Coun Graham's deputy.
South Elmsall and South Kirkby councillor Michelle Collins has been appointed as Coun Graham's deputy.

Coun Graham had previously been deputising for the Cabinet member for corporate services, Coun Les Shaw, who was forced off work with a broken hip earlier this year.

Elsewhere, Coun Faith Heptinstall, who represents the Crofton, Ryhill and Walton ward has become the new portfolio holder for health.

She replaces Pat Garbutt, who stepped down this month as she recovers from an operation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There's three new faces in the deputy Cabinet positions, with councillors Michelle Collins, Ros Lund and David Dagger all brought in. The rest of the frontbench remains unchanged.

The new-look Cabinet will be officially approved at next week's mayor-making annual council meeting.

Council leader Peter Box said: "I would like to welcome all the new members joining the Cabinet team.

"The challenging times continue but I am confident that the knowledge, enthusiasm and experience this team brings will serve the district and our residents very well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The new Cabinet role will drive our ambition to help grow skill levels and reduce inequalities so that more of our residents can enjoy a good quality of life and I am confident that Coun Graham will be an effective lead in this new role."

Full Cabinet for 2019/2020

Leader – Peter BoxEconomic Growth and Regeneration (Deputy Leader) – Denise JefferyTransport and Highways – Matthew MorleyCulture, Leisure and Sport – Jacquie SpeightAdults and Health – Faith HeptinstallChildren and Young People – Margaret IsherwoodEnvironment and Communities – Maureen CummingsCorporate Services – Les ShawSkills and Employment – Michael Graham

The proposed deputy Cabinet members are as follows:

Economic Growth and Regeneration – Darren ByfordTransport and Highways – Jessica CarringtonCulture, Leisure and Sport – Lynn MastermanAdults and Health – Ros LundChildren and Young People – Richard ForsterEnvironment and Communities – Martyn WardCorporate Services – David DaggerSkills and Employment – Michelle Collins

Local Democracy Reporting Service