Last night, Leader of the Council, Cllr Nadine Peatfield, announced her Cabinet for Derby City Council.

Citing the need for stability and continuity for the Council and its workforce, Cllr Peatfield reflected on a year in administration, and the turbulent nature of her journey to becoming Leader – the meeting was the first since a vote of no confidence in the previous Leader, Cllr Baggy Shanker.

“Derby must be focussed on delivery. And to achieve that, my mission is to provide sustainable leadership for the city,” she said. “We must remain focussed on delivering our manifesto – now woven into the Council plan – finances allowing, and we will always do what is right for Derby.

“More than that, I will ensure that my Cabinet, and hopefully my fellow councillors, act as ambassadors for Derby, working together as Team Derby with a city-first approach.”

As well as announcing a predominantly female Cabinet, Cllr Peatfield, named Cllr Paul Hezelgrave as Deputy Leader.

“It is a matter of personal pride and achievement to stand here as the second ever female leader of Derby City Council,” Cllr Peatfield said. “I look across the city and see brilliant women leading our businesses and voluntary sectors, but in the Chamber sadly women can lack representation, and I want to change that.

“I have carefully selected a diverse cabinet with breadth of skills and experience, from long-standing councillors who have served for over 30 years to newer councillors, who were elected last year. What matters is their life experience that they bring to the role – from a CEO of a £35m turnover charity, to a former teacher – these are people who are dedicated to Derby, passionate about delivering change and relate to the residents who live in our great city. Let’s get to work.”

The Cabinet and portfolio areas are:

  • Cllr Nadine Peatfield (Leader of the Council) - City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy
  • Cllr Paul Hezelgrave (Deputy Leader of the Council) - Children, Young People and Skills
  • Cllr Carmel Swan - Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability
  • Cllr Kathy Kozlowski - Governance and Finance
  • Cllr Hardyal Dhindsa - Digital and Organisational Transformation
  • Cllr Sarah Chambers - Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities
  • Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha - Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure
  • Cllr Shiraz Khan - Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services
  • Cllr Alison Martin - Health and Adult Care

In July former Leader, Cllr Baggy Shanker, and Cabinet Member, Cllr John Whitby, secured MP positions, and have stepped away to focus on their respective constituencies and new roles.

Details of the Cabinet and the Mayor will be shortly updated on the Council and Democracy pages of the Derby City Council Website.