Minutes:
“Members of the Council, Good Morning,
Today we see the delivery of a mandate, given to the Labour Group by the people of Redcar and Cleveland, and I thank members across the chamber for not trying to stand in the way of this mandate. But most of all I thank you the residents of our Borough for putting their trust in the Labour Group.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for placing your trust in me to lead our community forward. It is a trust that I do not take lightly, and I assure you that I am committed to serving the people of Redcar and Cleveland with unwavering dedication.
As we look around us, we see the challenges faced by our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented difficulties to our doorstep, affecting the health and well-being of our residents, straining our local economy, and exacerbating existing inequalities caused by over a decade of Conservative austerity measures and cuts. But in the face of adversity, I firmly believe, that we have an opportunity to unite, rebuild, and emerge stronger than ever before. Let’s not forget the cyber-attack that cost the authority over £12 million pounds, with central government only helping with a fraction of the cost and liability to our residents.
Together, we will tackle the urgent issues that require our attention. We will work tirelessly to revitalise our local economy, creating jobs and attracting new industries to our region. We intend to ensure that the freeport and Teesworks projects are delivered with a 100% transparency and I am committed to working with with local businesses, community organisations, and stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that nurtures local business start ups, invests in skills training, and harnesses the potential of our young people.
Education is another area close to my heart. Every child in Redcar and Cleveland deserves a first-class education that prepares them for a successful future. This Labour administration will champion our schools, working in partnership with teachers, parents, and students to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Let us empower our young minds, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to become the leaders of tomorrow.
In the face of climate change, we cannot afford to sit idly by. We are dedicated to making Redcar and Cleveland a beacon of sustainability and environmental responsibility. We will invest in renewable energy projects, promote energy efficiency, and protect our natural resources. Let us take action now to preserve our environment for generations to come.
To address the urgent challenges of affordable housing, healthcare, and public safety, we will make collaboration and partnership a priority. I believe in working closely with local organisations, housing associations, and healthcare providers to find innovative solutions that meet the needs of our residents. By working together, we can create a community that is safe, healthy, and inclusive.
But I cannot do this alone. Leadership is not a one-person endeavour; it is a collective effort. I call upon each and every one of you to join me on this journey. Let us bridge our differences, unite behind a shared vision, and work tirelessly to make Redcar and Cleveland a place we are proud to call home.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this incredible opportunity to lead our community. I am filled with optimism and determination as we embark on this new chapter together. With your support and collaboration, I am confident that we can build a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for Redcar and Cleveland.
Thank you, and let us move forward together towards building a better Redcar and Cleveland.”
The Leader also announced that the membership of the Cabinet would be as follows:-
· Councillor Brown – Leader of the Council
· Councillor C Richardson – Deputy Leader of the Council
· Councillor Massey – Corporate Resources
· Councillor Belshaw – Adults
· Councillor Myer – Children
· Councillor Pallister – Economic Growth
· Councillor Earl – Health and Welfare
· Councillor Richardson – Climate, Environment and Culture
· Councillor Quartermain – Highways and Transport
· Councillor Brook – Neighbourhoods and Housing