O’Callaghan Unveils her Shadow Cabinet Team
Margi O’Callaghan, the Labour Group Leader on Hastings BC, has announced her Shadow Cabinet team following May’s local elections. The Braybrooke Councillor took over the leadership of the Labour group from Heather Bishop, who lost her seat in Ore. She says she is determined to “hold the Green-led minority administration in control of the council to account” and to “fight for a better future for the town”.
In addition to being Group Leader, Cllr O’Callaghan will shadow Julia Hilton, the Green Council Leader, on the Regeneration and Community Wealth portfolio brief.
The long-standing borough and county councillor, Trevor Webb, who took West St Leonards from the Conservatives in May, has been given a new Anti-Poverty and Community Engagement role. His brief is specifically focussed on tackling poverty “to ensure struggling families are not forgotten”.
The new Labour councillor for Conquest, John Rankin, who was previously an Independent and before that a Conservative, has been given the Finance portfolio. He will shadow Darren Mackenzie, who is responsible for Finance, Assets, Risk and ICT.
Helen Kay, who won the Wishing Tree ward, has been given the Housing and Community Wellbeing brief. She will track Glenn Haffenden, the Deputy Leader of the Council.
Another new councillor, Danuta Kean, who defeated Maya Evans in Hollington, has been given Arts, Culture and Equalities. Judy Rodgers, the Mayor of Hastings, will speak on Leisure and Tourism. Together they will shadow Adele Bates, the Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure, Equalities and Community Engagement.
Councillor Billie Barnes, who won in Silverhill, takes on Environment and Neighbourhood Wellbeing in opposition to Jo Walker.
James Bacon, from the Old Town, will come up against Tony Collins, the Charity Committee Chair and Foreshore Trust lead.
David Whitehill, who won in St Helens, has been given Planning and Infrastructure and will face off against Mark Etherington.
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