New council leader sounds a more conciliatory note
Thursday, 26th May 2011.
The new leader of Suffolk County Council has announced a pulling back from its controversial programme of divestment of services.
Cllr Mark Bee has today been elected as the new leader and, in his acceptance speech, has signalled a clear change in direction for the council.
Speaking about the New Strategic Direction (NSD) he said: “I do not believe the NSD as a concept has connected with the people of Suffolk, some politicians, partner organisations or indeed many of our staff.
“The people of Suffolk expect to be listened to and cared about.”
Cllr Bee went on: “I am clear that my leadership will not be about a philosophy - it will be about listening to the people of Suffolk, openness and transparency and practical solutions appropriate to the needs of a community.”
Cllr Bee outlined clear examples of this change including school crossing patrols, libraries, household waste recycling sites and country parks.
Within the speech Cllr Bee talked of the challenges facing the council, including savings of £125m over four years, environmental issues, an ageing population and the need to improve broadband access for the people of Suffolk.
He said: “We must do this with the minimum impact possible on front line services.”
Speaking about his cabinet, he said; “We currently have an excellent cabinet with a wealth of experience and a record of achievement.It is therefore my intention to retain the current cabinet members in their existing roles.”
There will however be one enforced change – Cllr Colin Law has been elected leader of Waveney District Council and has therefore stepped down from the cabinet.
Cllr Law’s portfolio (skills and economic development) will be merged with the greenest county portfolio and Cllr Judy Terry will be the portfolio holder.
Cllr Bee closed his speech by talking about real Conservative values, the importance of listening and the need to keep Suffolk special for generations to come.
Cllr Mark Bee has today been elected as the new leader and, in his acceptance speech, has signalled a clear change in direction for the council.
Speaking about the New Strategic Direction (NSD) he said: “I do not believe the NSD as a concept has connected with the people of Suffolk, some politicians, partner organisations or indeed many of our staff.
“The people of Suffolk expect to be listened to and cared about.”
Cllr Bee went on: “I am clear that my leadership will not be about a philosophy - it will be about listening to the people of Suffolk, openness and transparency and practical solutions appropriate to the needs of a community.”
Cllr Bee outlined clear examples of this change including school crossing patrols, libraries, household waste recycling sites and country parks.
Within the speech Cllr Bee talked of the challenges facing the council, including savings of £125m over four years, environmental issues, an ageing population and the need to improve broadband access for the people of Suffolk.
He said: “We must do this with the minimum impact possible on front line services.”
Speaking about his cabinet, he said; “We currently have an excellent cabinet with a wealth of experience and a record of achievement.It is therefore my intention to retain the current cabinet members in their existing roles.”
There will however be one enforced change – Cllr Colin Law has been elected leader of Waveney District Council and has therefore stepped down from the cabinet.
Cllr Law’s portfolio (skills and economic development) will be merged with the greenest county portfolio and Cllr Judy Terry will be the portfolio holder.
Cllr Bee closed his speech by talking about real Conservative values, the importance of listening and the need to keep Suffolk special for generations to come.
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