New Leader and Cabinet for Denbighshire
At a full council meeting in County Hall Ruthin today (Tuesday, 8 September), Councillor Hugh Evans was elected the new Leader for the authority.
Councillor Evans (Independent – Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd / Gwyddelwern) who has been in office since 2004 and previously served as Leader between 2007 and 2022, has also appointed the new Cabinet.
Following his election Councillor Evans said, “Today is not about looking back, but about laying strong foundations for the future and addressing the challenges facing our county. Over the past week, I have met with the Chief Executive and senior officers to gain a clear understanding of those challenges and the opportunities ahead. While we have many dedicated officers and strong services, we must strengthen the link between our strategic ambitions and the everyday experiences of residents.
“I am eager to create a culture of openness and transparency and the Cabinet's focus over the coming months will be on three key areas: the budget, our role as a council, and our communities and culture. We have only eight months, but there is much we can achieve. By focusing on these priorities, making evidence-based decisions and delivering real outcomes, we can strengthen confidence in the council, provide greater clarity for our workforce and ensure Denbighshire is a council that residents and staff can be proud of.
"I’d like to thank everybody who has supported me, and to thank Jason for the previous work the Cabinet has done. We're all here for our residents. We are all champions for our communities."
Meanwhile, Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, (Independent - Ruthin) has been appointed Deputy Leader. Councillor Hilditch-Roberts who has served as a county councillor since 2012 and was Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and the Welsh language between May 2017 and May 2022. Councillor Hilditch-Roberts said, “It’s a huge honour to be appointed Deputy Leader. I look forward to working with Hugh and the rest of the Cabinet to restore trust and confidence in the Council, tackle the challenges ahead, and deliver meaningful improvements for the communities of Denbighshire.
“While Councillor Evans has outlined some of our key priorities today, Cabinet will work together over the coming weeks to gain a better understanding of the current situation and to determine what our main focus will be for the coming months.”
Following his appointment, the new Leader has also announced the new Cabinet and the revised portfolio areas:
Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth, Corporate Governance and Tackling Deprivation
Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education and Children, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage
Councillor Anton Sampson, Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy and Equalities
Councillor Will Price, Lead Member for Planning and Countryside
Councillor Geraint Lloyd-Williams, Lead Member for Housing and the Local Development Plan
Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport
Councillor Brian Jones, Lead Member for Finance, Assets and Local Economy
Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Health, Social Care and Communities. Councillor Feeley will continue as Chair of the authority to complete her civic duties and will join the Cabinet on 21 September.