The new leader of Milton Keynes City Council is revealed
The city council has announced a new leader and cabinet in Milton Keynes, following a new Liberal Democrat and Labour partnership.
Cllr Jane Carr was chosen as the new council leader after her appointment was approved by councillors at the Annual General Meeting on May 20.
Cllr Carr is the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, after being elected a year ago. She represents the Newport Pagnell ward, and has served as a city councillor for eight years. She brings experience from both local government and her professional career as an independent social worker.
Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Jane Carr said: “It’s a huge honour to be elected to lead Milton Keynes City Council. Milton Keynes is a special place with so much going for it, and I’m proud to serve our communities.”
She served previously as Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities and Child Poverty, where she tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing communities. Her work focused on efforts to reduce child poverty and inequalities, while also promoting public health, skills development, higher education and youth services.
Also working as an independent social worker, she brings valuable frontline experience in supporting vulnerable people and families. In addition, she previously served as borough councillor and worked within a county council.
She replaces Pete Marland, who was the city council’s leader for 12 years.
Cllr Carr said: “As we look to the future, we’re committed to listening and caring about the things that matter to residents, big or small. Milton Keynes is a proud and diverse community, and we’re ambitious for our city.
“One of our key priorities as an administration will be to deliver a city-wide Mental Health Strategy, bringing together local organisations and partners to ensure people can access support when they need it.
“We’ll continue to support families, tackle inequalities, improve safety in our neighbourhoods, and protect the environment, while making sure vulnerable people get the extra help they need. Together we can continue to build a city that feels safe, welcoming and respectful.”
Cllr Carr was formally appointed at the City Council’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday May 20 alongside the new Cabinet, who will serve as a partnership between Liberal Democrat and Labour groups, having received 20 and 19 seats in the city elections on 7 May.
The new Cabinet:
Cllr Lauren Townsend – Deputy Leader (Resources and Customer Experience)
Cllr Kerrie Bradburn – Highways and Transport
Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew – Environment, Waste and Sustainability
Cllr Peter Cannon – Children and Young People
Cllr Donna Fuller – Adult Services, Health and Communities
Cllr Saleena Raja – Communities and Partnerships
Cllr Shanika Mahendran – Planning
Cllr Sam Crooks – Regulatory Services
Cllr Ed Hume – Housing