Cabinet reshuffle at Reform-led Nottinghamshire Council after just nine months
The leader of Nottinghamshire Council says the changes he has made to his top team after just nine months will help to make £44m in savings.
Three changes have been made to the council’s cabinet by its leader Coun Mick Barton.
Coun Simon Wright (Ref) will replace Coun Hana John (Ref) as cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Two new deputy cabinet members have been appointed in Coun Gaynor Mann (Ref), who is now deputy cabinet member for communities and public health, and Coun John Semens (Ref), who has become deputy cabinet member for transport and environment.
Coun Barton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Coun John had left the role for personal reasons and that she had mutually agreed to step down.
But he added: “At the end of the day, it is my decision.
“I do not think people realise how much work it is.
“There is a lot of work involved with the £44m in efficiencies.
"Simon has got a lot of experience, he can pick it up straight away.
"I would not have put anyone in who could not have done that.”
Meanwhile a County Hall source says there had been a dispute between Coun John and council officers over access to information.
The source told the LDRS: “She felt she could not carry out her role properly.”
Coun John will remain as a councillor, representing Blyth & Harworth.
Last week the council’s leadership announced it would not be putting up council tax by the maximum amount of 4.99 per cent, instead opting for a slightly lower rise of 3.99 per cent.
However a significant sum in reserve cash will be used to help balance its budget.
Coun Barton said the rise was one of the lowest in a decade, but admitted it would add more pressure to the administration to pull off its savings plan.
Coun John has been contacted for comment.