East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward names her team for the coming year

The Board of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is set to discuss nominations for key political leadership roles for the East Midlands region at its next meeting.

Portfolio leads at EMCCA will each be responsible for leading a number of key priority areas for the region, working with the Mayor and their Board colleagues to make the region more prosperous, sustainable and fairer, helping people and businesses to create and seize opportunities.

Mayor Claire has also selected Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, as her Deputy Mayor. Cllr Peatfield will take up the role following Board and will receive no salary for the role.

Portfolio nominations are:

• Transport and Digital Connectivity: Cllr Ben Bradley and Cllr Anthony McKeown (deputy)
• Skills and Employment: Cllr Paul Hezelgrave and Cllr Milan Radulovic (deputy)
• Investment: Cllr Neghat Khan and Cllr Simon Spencer (deputy)
• Farming and Rural Affairs: Cllr Barry Lewis and Cllr Paul Peacock (deputy)

The leads for transport and connectivity, skills and employments and investment will all chair separate committees which will drive work in key priority areas. A separate portfolio without committee focusing on Farming and Rural Affairs will be led by Cllr Barry Lewis, with Cllr Paul Peacock as deputy.

Mayor Claire said:

“Making this region the best place to live, to work and to learn is a real team effort across political boundaries and I’m delighted that Board colleagues will be working with me to deliver real change.

“Whilst we come together from across different parts of the political spectrum, we have a common and shared purpose in wanting the very best for the people we represent. I know that everyone nominated for one of these key roles is enthusiastic about working together to tackle the challenges we face and make the East Midlands the place to live, work, play and invest.

“I’m also delighted that Nadine has agreed to step up to the role of Deputy Mayor. She’ll be supporting me to drive and lead our work and will be doing this without any extra pay for what will be a demanding role because she’s so passionate about the opportunities ahead for our region.”

Members of EMCCA’s Board are being asked to approve the nominations for the portfolio lead roles at their next meeting to be held at Derby City Council on 16 September.

Photo credit: Mayor Claire image by ACJ Media