Summary
The man in charge of fixing Gloucestershire’s potholes will be replaced by his father next month as part of a cabinet re-shuffle at Shire Hall . Highways cabinet member Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) is stepping down to take on a new job on a national infrastructure project.
Details
And his father, Cllr Mark Harris (LD, Cirencester North with Ermin), is set to be appointed to the role by Gloucestershire County Council leader Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) next month. Also stepping down from Shire Hall’s cabinet is former Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood who is due to become the spa town’s mayor in May.
He will be replaced by Gloucester’s current mayor Ashley Bowkett (LD, Barnwood and Hucclecote) who will become the new cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction. County council cabinet members are entilted to a total allowance of £34,045.55 a year. This includes a special responsibility allowance of £21,482.72 and a basic councillor allowance of £12,562.83.
Councillor Joe Harris (LD, Cirencester Park) said: “Over the past year I’m proud to have overseen the extra £15 million a year for highways which is the biggest cash boost for Gloucestershire’s roads in years and while there is a long way to go to get the county’s roads to an acceptable standard, this investment is a strong start.
“I know Mark will bring real determination and I’m confident he’ll continue pushing to fix our roads.” Councillor Martin Horwood (LD, Leckhampton and Warden Hill) said it has been a privilege to serve as cabinet member for nature, climate and waste reduction, and to help deliver on key Liberal Democrat priorities, from the local nature recovery strategy to a new ambitious approach to reducing the council’s carbon footprint.
“We’ve made strong progress in this area, and I’m confident that Ashley will continue that work and help protect Gloucestershire’s environment for the future,” he said.
“I also look forward to working with Ashley and Mark in their new roles as we continue focusing fixing our roads, creating new jobs in the county and protecting our natural environment.” Council Leader Cllr Lisa Spivey (LD, South Cerney) said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Martin and Joe on behalf of the council for their hard work and commitment over the past year.
“Despite significant financial pressures and ongoing challenges, they have worked tirelessly to deliver for residents across the county.