New cabinet role to ensure our roads are kept ‘up to scratch’

The Labour controlled council is proposing the changes after maintaining its hefty majority in last month’s elections.

And the proposals include creating a new portfolio for transport and highways.

Coun David Dagger will move from his role as member for culture, sport and libraries to transport and highways and Coun Les Shaw will take over culture, sport and libraries.

Coun Peter Box will remain as leader, Coun Denise Jeffery stays as deputy leader alongside her role as cabinet member for economic growth and skills.

Coun Pat Garbutt stays on as cabinet member for adults and health and Coun Olivia Rowley remains portfolio holder for children and young people. Coun Maureen Cummings will stay in her role as cabinet member for environment and communities and coun Graham Stokes continues in his role as cabinet member for corporate performance.

Coun Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We continue to face tough times ahead and this team will help meet these challenges head on.

“We understand from listening to local residents that the state of our roads is a top priority therefore we have created a dedicated Cabinet post with responsibility for Transport and Highways to ensure we do our best with the money we’ve got to keep our roads up to scratch.”

The changes will take place after they are formally approval by full council at the Mayor-making and annual council meeting next week.