Local Conservative Leaves Borough Council Cabinet to Join County Council Cabinet

Cllr Michael Greatorex

A change has been made to Tamworth’s Borough Council’s Cabinet following the promotion of one of the committee members to Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet.

Cllr Michael Greatorex, who held the portfolio for Public Housing and Vulnerable People, will take the role of a support cabinet member with Staffordshire County Council.

Cllr Greatorex represents the Mercian ward in Tamworth and is also Staffordshire County Councillor for Watling South Division (Dosthill, Two Gates and Wilnecote). He will continue to hold his position on Tamworth’s Planning Committee and all other duties associated with being a Tamworth councillor.

Announcing the change, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, Cllr Daniel Cook, said the portfolio for Housing and Vulnerable People will be split between the remaining five Cabinet members for an interim period, which would also result in a financial saving.

The role Cllr Greatorex has accepted at Staffordshire County Council is the Support Member for Wellbeing, Prevention and Public Health, which will see him working under Cabinet member Cllr Alan White.

Cllr Cook said; “Cllr Greatorex has proved a huge asset to Tamworth Borough Council, both as a Cabinet member and ward councillor. He has worked on projects including the regeneration of Kerria and Tinkers Green, changes to housing legislation and the scheme, which has seen garages, redeveloped into affordable homes.

“Unfortunately a councillor cannot hold a Cabinet position on both a county and district council, and Cllr Greatorex has taken the difficult decision to accept the new challenge offered to him at Stafford.

“We will still be working closely with Michael – both in his county capacity and also as a borough councillor for Tamworth. I would like to thank him for all his hard work during the last few years on Cabinet and wish him every success in his new role.”

Cllr Greatorex said; “I am sad to be leaving my cabinet role on Tamworth Borough Council. I have found the work to be both stimulating and rewarding. I shall miss the support and encouragement, which the Leader of the Council, my cabinet colleagues and all the officers of Tamworth Borough Council have given me.

“The new challenge for me on the County Council’s cabinet is an exciting one and gives me the opportunity to help shape policies to support county residents, including those of Tamworth where I have happily lived for 29 years and will continue to live.”

The full Cabinet and responsibilities are as follows:

• Cllr Daniel Cook. Leader. Portfolio: Performance, financial planning, strategy and reputation
• Cllr Rob Pritchard: Deputy Leader. Portfolio: Operations & Assets
• Cllr Steve Claymore: Portfolio: Economy & Education
• Cllr Stephen Doyle: Portfolio: Community Development & Voluntary Sector
• Cllr Michelle Thurgood: Portfolio: Environment & Waste Management