New Leader says Council “is starting to look a bit more like Harlow” as he announces Cabinet and first female Black and Ethnic Minority Deputy Leader

LABOUR Cllr Mark Ingall, Harlow Council’s newly elected Leader put equality, diversity and merit firmly at the centre of his leadership by appointing women to hold four out of the eight Portfolios in his newly appointed Cabinet.

Cllr Ingall said: “This is a leadership team that is starting to look a bit more like Harlow – a diverse and vibrant town in which every resident should feel represented.

“I’m proud that from within the ranks of Labour councillors elected this May, I have been able to select a Cabinet with a 50:50 gender split, that includes a range of different ages, that offers a blend of experience and fresh energy and which has our very first black and ethnic minority female deputy leader.

“We still have a way to go to, but this should mark a serious step change in people’s expectations of their elected representatives.

“And before anyone says it, let me be clear – this was not a victory of political correctness over merit or ability. In addition to representing a range of sections of our society, each of the Portfolio Holders has the skills and ability this town needs to face up to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

The Cabinet, which has overall responsible for the Council’s policies, strategy and allocation of resources, is comprised of the following;

Cllr Waida Forman, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Equality and Diversity

Cllr Emma Toal, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth

Cllr Mike Danvers, Portfolio Holder for Resources

Cllr John Strachan, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration

Cllr Danny Purton, Portfolio Holder for Environment

Cllr Mark Wilkinson, Portfolio Holder for Housing

Cllr Lanie Shears, Portfolio Holder for Governance

Cllr Eugenie Harvey, Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing

Cllr Waida Forman, Deputy Leader and Holder of the newly created Portfolio, Equality and Diversity said; “This is a new administration, formed at a time when Harlow is about to take a huge step forwards into a bright and exciting future.

“Under Labour, the Council is set to build more council houses, offer many new employment opportunities with the arrival of Public Health England and the new hospital and step up to our new status as a Garden Town.

“We want every resident to be able to participate in these opportunities and reap the many benefits they offer – not just a privileged few.

“That is why it is so important that we ensure equal and diverse representation on the Council.”

Harlow has 33 elected councillors of which 20 are Labour and 13 are Conservative. Of the 20 Labour councillors, eight are women (40%) and of the 13 Conservative councillors two are women (15%).