A new Conservative administration has been appointed to lead Southend-on-Sea City Council after being voted in at Full Council earlier tonight (Thursday 18th May).
At the recent local elections, no party gained the required majority to lead the council outright. However, the Conservative Party has 22 seats and have formed a minority administration.
Cllr Tony Cox is therefore the new Leader of the Council and after appointing his cabinet at the meeting, said: “I am honoured to be the new Leader of the Council and along with my new cabinet look forward to serving the residents and businesses of the great City of Southend-on-Sea.
“We all want the best for our new City and this new administration under my leadership will work hard to ensure that we provide stability to the council and move forwards in the best interests of residents, businesses and visitors.”
The new cabinet is as follows:
| Councillor | Cabinet portfolio |
|---|---|
| Cllr Tony Cox, Leader of the Council | SEND |
| Cllr Meg Davidson, Deputy Leader of the Council | Environment |
| Cllr Daniel Nelson | Economic Growth and Investment |
| Cllr James Moyies | Adult Social Care, Health, Public Health and Constitutional Affairs |
| Cllr Kevin Buck | Highways, Transport and Parking |
| Cllr Helen Boyd | Children’s Services, Education and Learning |
| Cllr James Courtenay | Community Safety and Public Protection |
| Cllr David Garston | Housing and Planning |
| Cllr Derek Jarvis | Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Leisure |
| Cllr John Lamb | Regulatory Services |
Appointments to the various committees were also formally agreed. These will be viewable under the meeting agenda this week.