Two additional members have been appointed to Cabinet positions at Newcastle City Council to help the city deliver its ambitious priorities.
Arthur’s Hill representative Abdul Samad will take on responsibility for culture, sport, leisure, libraries and parks within his portfolio as Cabinet member for a Vibrant City.
Adam Walker, ward member for Callerton and Throckley, will oversee adult social care and specialised housing as Cabinet member a Healthy Caring City.
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “I’m proud of everything that we’ve been able to achieve through this administration as we continue with our commitment to get the basics right for our city while working towards our priorities of achieving Net Zero, tackling poverty, and creating an inclusive economy in the city.
“I’m pleased to welcome Abdul and Adam to cabinet and look forward to working alongside them and the rest of cabinet.
“Together we’re keen to listen to, stand up for, and work with residents to build a Newcastle that is fairer, healthier, and better off for everyone who has a part to play in our city.”
As part of the restructure, responsibility for adult social care has been assigned as a new separate post, having previously been held by Cllr Karen Kilgour alongside her duties as Deputy Leader. Cllr Kilgour will continue to oversee public health, as well as the council’s anti-poverty strategy, in addition to her Deputy Leader role.
Other changes see Cllr Irim Ali take up the Resilient City portfolio, which covers local services - which includes waste and recycling, waste crime, dog fouling, and parking – licensing and regulatory services, community cohesion, registrars and refugees and asylum seekers.
Cllr Marion Williams’ portfolio changes to Sustainable City which oversees the council’s strategic transport planning and infrastructure, tree planting and air pollution while she leads on the council’s Net Zero ambitions.
There is also a change for Cllr Paula Maines who takes over responsibility for housing and homelessness support, at a time when the council is bringing housing services in house, in her new role as portfolio holder for a Living City.
The council’s cabinet is now made up of:
- Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader
- Cllr Karen Kilgour, Deputy Leader
- Cllr Paul Frew, Cabinet Secretary and Resources
- Cllr Adam Walker, Healthy, Caring City
- Cllr Lesley Storey, Growing City
- Cllr Marion Williams, Sustainable City
- Cllr Alex Hay, Thriving City
- Cllr Paula Maines, Living City
- Cllr Abdul Samad, Vibrant City
- Cllr Irim Ali, Resilient City
Cabinet portfolios
Cabinet Secretary and Resources
Making the most of the council’s resources to provide value for money in our services as we get the basics rights and deliver on our priorities to tackle poverty, create an inclusive economy and reach Net Zero
Healthy, Caring City
Supporting people to live healthy and sustainable lives with caring and compassionate services that give our residents the independence and dignity they need.
Growing City
Putting children at the heart of our city by providing compassionate services that offer care, support and opportunities to give young people the best start in life.
Sustainable City
Making sure Newcastle is a clean, green and inclusive city that offers residents the infrastructure and capacity to reach their full potential in life.
Thriving City
Putting the building blocks in place to create an inclusive local economy that offers wealth and opportunity to people of all backgrounds and in all parts of the city.
Living City
Providing good quality and sustainable housing that meets the needs of our diverse communities, and helping people find and maintain the right accommodation for their needs.
Vibrant City
Shaping a city that recognises its heritage and celebrates its diverse cultural offer while harnessing a reputation of being a first-class destination city.
Resilient City
Ensuring Newcastle is a safe, welcoming and inclusive city that provides the reliable, value-for-money services that our communities deserve.