Update on Portfolio Holders at Newark and Sherwood District Council

Councillor Paul Peacock said: “I am really pleased to announce these changes to the Portfolio Holders.  Firstly, I would like to thank the Independents for Newark and the Liberal Democrats for supporting me when I was voted in as Leader of the District Council.

“In our discussions and while getting to know these Councillors, many of whom are new to NSDC, it quite quickly became clear that we are all here for one mutual purpose: to serve our residents, ensuring they are at the heart of every decision we make.  Together, we are so proud to represent the people of Newark and Sherwood and look forward to collaborating to make the positive changes our communities need.

“I would like to thank my fellow Councillors who worked with me as we took the time to ensure that the detail of our Portfolios are right for the services we need to deliver for everyone across Newark and Sherwood.  I am confident that this was time well spent and that the changes to existing and additional Portfolios reflect the needs and wants of our electorate.

“It is an honour to serve this Council, and it means a lot to us all to represent our 121,000 residents.  I am looking forward to working with all our Councillors, over the next four years.  I would like to encourage all residents to get in touch, talk to us, share your views and ideas on what you want; we are all here to listen, learn and serve you all.”

The Portfolio Holders at Newark and Sherwood District Council, as announced today, are as follows:

• Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy, Performance and Finance
• Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage and Culture and the Arts
• Councillor Keith Melton, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change
• Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for the Natural Environment and Conservation
• Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development
• Councillor Lee Brazier, Portfolio Holder for Housing
• Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure
• Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Leader of the Independents for Newark Group, said: “I am delighted to hold the Portfolio for Heritage and Culture and the Arts across Newark and Sherwood.  I am passionate about giving people of all ages access to the arts, and I feel honoured that I can do that as a District Councillor.  It is incredibly important to me that those in our communities across the district talk to us and tell us what they want because my promise to everyone is that I will do my best to represent the views of the electorate. I would like to thank Councillor Peacock for instilling his trust and faith in me as his Deputy Leader, and I look forward to working with him and all Portfolio Holders over the coming years.”

Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “It is great to be working closely with Councillors from across different parties to serve all residents across the entire district.  Newark and Sherwood is a great place, and together I am confident that we can make it even better for everyone who lives, works and visits the district.  I would like to thank Councillor Peacock for his support, and we’ll work hard to listen to the views of all those who cast their votes in the May election and will deliver on the issues that matter to them.”