Kirklees Council leader Sarah Wood has announced her new Cabinet, made up entirely of Reform UK councillors, less than a week after securing the authority’s top job.
The appointments mark the first major step for the new administration following months of political deadlock, during which councillors failed to elect a leader on two separate occasions.
Cllr Wood was elected leader on 15 July and formally unveiled her Cabinet on 21 July.
The Cabinet is the council’s main decision-making body, responsible for overseeing major services, shaping policy and directing spending priorities across the borough.
The newly appointed Cabinet includes:
- Sarah Wood – Leader of the Council
- Mark Smith – Deputy Leader
- Gill Floyd – Children’s Services
- Rob Butler – Education and SEND
- Michael Simmons – Adult Social Care and Public Health Communities
- Philip James – Housing and Physical Communities
- Pip Harvey – Place, Culture and Volunteering
- John Hardie – Regeneration, Highways and Transport
Cllr Wood said it had been unfortunate that the party had been forced to wait before taking control of the authority, adding that the delay had affected some governance processes. She said: “We are here now and I’m delighted to appoint a Cabinet that brings together people with real expertise, practical experience and a shared commitment to serving the people of Kirklees.”
The Reform leader said her administration would focus on putting residents first, promoting civic pride, improving community safety and maintaining responsible financial management. She added: “We promised change in Kirklees, and we’re wasting no time in getting started.
“Our administration will be guided by clear principles: putting Kirklees citizens first, promoting civic pride and patriotism, keeping our communities safe, and ensuring the council lives within its means through responsible financial management.”
The Cabinet appointments formally establish Reform UK’s administration at Kirklees Council after the party emerged as the largest group following May’s local elections.
The new team will now take responsibility for some of the council’s most significant service areas, including education, children’s services, housing, regeneration and adult social care.
