New-look Cabinet revealed to relight Wolverhampton

The Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council has unveiled his new-look Cabinet which will be tasked with ‘relighting’ the city as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the local elections, Cllr Ian Brookfield, has reshuffled his top team.

The Cabinet will provide the political leadership as the council focuses on its ‘Relighting the City’ strategy and the five priorities of supporting people who need it most, creating more opportunities for young people, generating more jobs and learning opportunities, growing vital local businesses and stimulating vibrant high streets and communities.

Today’s (WED19) Annual Full Council meeting agreed a Cabinet made up of the following roles:

Councillor Ian Brookfield, Council Leader - Resources

Councillor Stephen Simkins, Deputy Leader – City Economy

Councillor Linda Leach, Adults

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi – Children & Young People

Councillor Steve Evans – City Environment & Climate Change

Councillor Mike Hardacre – Education

Councillor Paula Brookfield – Governance

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal – Housing & City Assets

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal – Public Health & Wellbeing

Councillor Obaida Ahmed – Digital City

Cllr Stephen Simkins is the new Deputy Leader of the Council after being voted for by members of the controlling Labour Group. Councillor Simkins will continue in his role as cabinet member for City Economy.

The reshuffle sees three first-time Cabinet members. These are Ettingshall Councillor Beverley Momenabadi who is responsible for Children & Young People; Wednesfield South Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal who will oversee Housing and City Assets; and St Peter’s Councillor Obaida Ahmed who is the first ever cabinet member for Digital City.

In another change, Councillor Steve Evans will now be responsible for Climate Change in addition to City Environment. 

Cllr Brookfield said: “I am delighted to announce the new-look Cabinet that will relight our city as we emerge from the pandemic and look towards the future.

“During the pandemic, we spoke with and listened to thousands of residents, businesses and other stakeholders to find out what really matters to the people of Wolverhampton. The changes I’ve made to the cabinet roles reflect what they told us.

“Our commitment to climate change will help deliver plans to be carbon neutral by 2028 and create a city that’s ready to seize jobs and growth opportunities from the green agenda.

“We are also focused on being a digital city - making sure Wolverhampton is at the forefront of digital infrastructure and innovation.

“The new look Cabinet is also about making sure we have the right people in the right roles to see our plans through. We now have a fantastic mix of experience, energy and passion to deliver on the priorities for relighting our city.

“The pandemic has hit us hard but we are ready to continue our journey of recovery and do what we do best – to look after our own and create a better future for everyone in Wolverhampton.”