Oldham Council leader unveils new cabinet team

Date published: 22 May 2019


Councillor Sean Fielding is retaining his Economy and Enterprise portfolio as he begins his second year as Council Leader.

His proposed top team comprises eight Cabinet posts – a reduction of one - in a line-up which has been approved by the Full Council today (May 22). 

Cllr Fielding’s brief includes continued responsibility for the City Region and devolution agendas, regeneration and infrastructure, enterprise and business support, and Oldham town centre and markets. As part of a reshuffle this now also includes libraries, heritage, culture and arts, and Public Service Reform.

Notable changes include the creation of a new Social Justice and Communities brief under Cllr Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader, plus a reshaped Education and Skills portfolio under Cllr Shaid Mushtaq.       

Cllr Fielding said: “This is another strong Cabinet team giving us continuity to build on the good progress made last year in getting the basics right.”

“We’re not going to be resting on our laurels though, and in the coming year residents will see us championing and campaigning hard for the causes and changes needed at a local, regional and national level on injustices that affect their daily lives, such as bad landlords in the private rented sector, bus de-regulation and anti-social behaviour in communities.

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“This an inclusive Cabinet with extensive experience. Each member has a vital role to play in making sure we’re delivering the best quality and value for money services possible while also making progress on our longer-term plans to transform prospects for residents and businesses across the borough.”

The reshuffle will see Cllr Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader, heading up a new portfolio for Social Justice and Communities. This focusses on community safety and policing, cohesion, district working, community engagement and behaviour change, plus vital services including First Response, Early Help, Youth Justice, Community Justice, Probation Services and Licensing. 

Cllr Shah’s former portfolio of Neighbourhood Services is being taken on by Cllr Ateeque ur Rehman with a focus on day-to-day environmental services and keeping the borough clean, green, and safe for residents.

In another significant change, Cllr Shaid Mushtaq is now taking education provision into his brief as a part of a new combined Education and Skills portfolio.

Four members of the new Cabinet team have kept the portfolios they held in 2018/9.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader, continues as Cabinet Member for Finances and Corporate Resources, Cllr Hannah Roberts stays in charge of Housing, and Amanda Chadderton continues to oversee Children’s Services. Cllr Zahid Chauhan also carries on in his work as Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care.

 


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