Newsroom
29/10/2009
New Leadership for Association of North East Councils
Cllr Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, has been elected the new Chair at the Leaders and Elected Mayors meeting held on 27 October. Cllr Watson takes up the term of office as Chair until the Annual Meeting in 2010.
Local authority Leaders and Elected Mayors also confirmed Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, and Cllr Ken Lupton, Leader of Stockton Council, as new Vice Chairs of the Association.
Cllr Watson has been a member of the Association since July 2004 and an Executive Committee Member since May 2008.
Speaking about his election as Chair, Cllr Watson said: "I am pleased to take up this role at such an important time in the political landscape and economic climate. As we face increasing challenges, it is crucial that we focus our efforts on how we can work together to manage the changes ahead and continue to improve quality of life for the benefit of people and businesses across the region.
"Looking ahead, we will continue to exercise strong leadership to ensure that on key priorities for localities, such as the economy, climate change, transport, health and skills, we can speak with a clear and united voice. There are some tremendous opportunities for local government in the North East to continue to make a real difference and I look forward to working with colleagues and partners in my new role as Chair of the Association of North East Councils."
Leaders and Elected Mayors paid tribute to the role of Cllr Mick Henry in having led the Association of North East Councils over the past four years, since the re-launch of ANEC and his election as Chair in June 2005. They acknowledged the influential role Mick Henry has played in establishing the political credibility and visibility of the organisation, his leadership style in bringing a strong culture of cross-party working, a real commitment to inclusivity and the creation of effective partnerships with external partners and a wide range of stakeholders at a regional and national level. Cllr Henry will continue to play an active role in his capacity as Leader of Gateshead Council.
The contribution and commitment of Cllr Nigel Martin, former Vice Chair and office holder since June 2005, has also been gratefully acknowledged.
For further information please contact Bethan Hughes, Communications Officer, on 0191 261 3917 or 07957 823 864 (mobile); email bethan.hughes@northeastcouncils.gov.uk
Local authority Leaders and Elected Mayors also confirmed Cllr Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, and Cllr Ken Lupton, Leader of Stockton Council, as new Vice Chairs of the Association.
Cllr Watson has been a member of the Association since July 2004 and an Executive Committee Member since May 2008.
Speaking about his election as Chair, Cllr Watson said: "I am pleased to take up this role at such an important time in the political landscape and economic climate. As we face increasing challenges, it is crucial that we focus our efforts on how we can work together to manage the changes ahead and continue to improve quality of life for the benefit of people and businesses across the region.
"Looking ahead, we will continue to exercise strong leadership to ensure that on key priorities for localities, such as the economy, climate change, transport, health and skills, we can speak with a clear and united voice. There are some tremendous opportunities for local government in the North East to continue to make a real difference and I look forward to working with colleagues and partners in my new role as Chair of the Association of North East Councils."
Leaders and Elected Mayors paid tribute to the role of Cllr Mick Henry in having led the Association of North East Councils over the past four years, since the re-launch of ANEC and his election as Chair in June 2005. They acknowledged the influential role Mick Henry has played in establishing the political credibility and visibility of the organisation, his leadership style in bringing a strong culture of cross-party working, a real commitment to inclusivity and the creation of effective partnerships with external partners and a wide range of stakeholders at a regional and national level. Cllr Henry will continue to play an active role in his capacity as Leader of Gateshead Council.
The contribution and commitment of Cllr Nigel Martin, former Vice Chair and office holder since June 2005, has also been gratefully acknowledged.
For further information please contact Bethan Hughes, Communications Officer, on 0191 261 3917 or 07957 823 864 (mobile); email bethan.hughes@northeastcouncils.gov.uk
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