THE new leader of the Harlow Labour group has announced his new shadow cabinet.

Councillor Chris Vince said: “I am delighted with how enthusiastic our team of councillors have been about the challenges ahead.  It’s never nice to lose an election and see friends and colleagues lose their seats but it’s how you respond to events which really defines your character.  I can assure the people of Harlow that we have both character and passion for our town.

Our deputy leader Tony Edwards, who has shown his attention to detail and to scrutiny, will take on the shadow role of Recovery and Community.  He’s already been part of working groups looking in to the impacts of covid on our town and in particular mental health.

Mike Danvers, who was our portfolio holder for resources, will take on the shadow finance role. Holding the Tories to account and ensuring that we have a budget moving forward which is balanced and also sustainable. As a Labour group we are concerned any potential Tories proposals could leave a hole in council finances and the last thing we want is important community facilities such as Pets Corner and the paddling pools put at risk.

Mark Wilkinson has kindly agreed to be the Shadow Housing Portfolio holder. Mark’s knowledge in this field is second to none.  He’ll ensure the Tories continue with our ambitious scheme of building the council houses the people of Harlow so desperately need.

Former deputy leader of the council Eugenie Harvey will shadow the strategic development role.  She is enthusiastic, dynamic and someone who in her former role was a champion of the potential our town has. Her work with Discover Harlow allowed us to show case our town.

Equally positive about the long-term future of Harlow is Tony Durcan who has agreed to take on the shadow Regeneration role. It was Tony’s dynamic vision for our town centre which has led to some of the regeneration work currently going on.  He’s also responsible for getting rid of the ghastly red pots the Tories put in during their previous time in administration. Let’s hope we don’t see them return.

Finally, I am delighted that Nancy Watson has agreed to be our shadow environment spokesperson.  She has big shoes to fill but I know her vision for Harlow’s green spaces is very much in keeping with that of the great Danny Purton. Nancy was previously the portfolio holder for Governance and Diversity and I know she will also want to ensure that the hard work that Frances Mason did on the latter is not forgotten which is why I have asked her to also be our spokesperson on diversity.

“As leader I have already been out talking to residents since the election.  For as councillors it is important that this work should never stop. I have a top team of Councillors and we all, along with Labour activists, will listen to and show the people of Harlow by our actions that we are on your side”.