Children's services boss axed in council cabinet re-shuffle - The Coventry Observer

Children's services boss axed in council cabinet re-shuffle

Coventry Editorial 30th May, 2014 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

THE POLITICAL head of Coventry Council’s children services has been axed in a cabinet reshuffle.

Coun George Duggins has been replaced with former housing chief Coun Ed Ruane as the under-fire department – rated inadequate by Ofsted – has its third separate cabinet member in just over 12 months.

Coun Duggins had been deputy to former leader John Mutton but was bumped into the position by her replacement Coun Ann Lucas, who confirmed the further changes yesterday (Thursday).

Ofsted had slammed the department’s leadership but added the new management team – headed by Coun Duggins and director Brian Walsh – had started to tackle key issues in the service.




Coun Duggins was thanked for doing a ‘difficult role in difficult times’ by Coun Lucas, who said his service should be recognised.

But she added ‘robust political leadership’ was needed and that Coun Ruane would do an outstanding job.


Other outgoing cabinet members include Coun Lynnette Kelly, as reported by the Observer this week.

She had been expected to lose the role as she focuses her efforts on becoming an MP in Labour-target seat Warwick and Leamington.

Coun Kevin Maton – who had chaired the planning committee – takes on the position, which now includes housing. Coun John McNicholas will be his deputy with responsibility for transport.

Coun Abdul Khan’s role now includes culture, leisure, sports, parks and events after his previous position for energy and environment was deleted.

Coun Faye Abbot joins the cabinet for the first time in a new role responsible for community development, co-operatives and social enterprise. She will also lead on Coventry’s bid to be named a city of culture.

Coventry City Council’s Cabinet

Ann Lucas – Council Leader

Phil Townshend – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities

David Kershaw CBE – Education

Rachel Lancaster – Public Services

Damian Gannon – Strategic Finance and Resources

Alison Gingell – Health and Adult Services

Ed Ruane – Children’s Services

Kevin Maton – Business, Enterprise and Employment

Abdul Khan – Culture, Leisure, Sports

John McNicholas – Transport

Faye Abbot – Community development, co-operatives and social enterprise

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Coventry Observer.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Coventry Observer.