There’s a fresh look to Wigan Council’s top policy making body this week, with two new members joining the ruling cabinet.
Golborne and Lowton West member Ged Bretherton will take on the equality portfolio previously held by Terry Halliwell, while former fire authority chairman and Leigh East councillor Fred Walker comes into the cabinet as efficiency champion. He will also be responsible for relations with Wigan and Leigh Housing.
Pemberton’s Paul Prescott takes over the lifestyle portfolio - which includes chairing the planning and licensing committees - from John Hilton who like Cllr Halliwell leaves the cabinet.
The other eight current cabinet members retain their place and portfolios.
Council leader and cabinet chair Lord Smith, said:
“Fred Walker brings many years of experience at the highest level in both the council and fire authority, while Ged Bretherton is one of our most talented young newcomers. It promises to be an exciting year ahead.”
Cllr Bretherton, 45, works for the TUC organising training and learning. He’s a graduate in social sciences with a diploma in politics and government from the Open University. He was elected in 2006 and is currently chair of the councillor services group and the health scrutiny committee. He’s also currently taking a Leadership in Local Government course.
He said:
“In my new role I’ll have responsibility for the overall direction of the townships and facilities for young people, as well as the council’s equality programme. It’s a great opportunity to be able to serve the public in a high profile role.”
Cllr Walker was previously a member of the council’s policy committee in the days before cabinet government and he was chair of Greater Manchester’s fire authority for many years.
He said:
“I’m looking forward to continuing some of the work I’ve been involved with on housing issues. We’re determined to address the problems of affordable housing and I will also be making sure we are getting the best possible value for the council tax payer.”
In a nod to national government, the cabinet has this year been directly appointed by council leader Peter Smith using powers available in the council’s constitution. In previous years the cabinet was elected by the ruling group.
- The cabinet is the council's ruling executive, responsible for policy making and all major decisions. The appointments were confirmed at the annual council meeting held on Wednesday 20 May.
