Craven District Council’s deputy leader has taken on an executive role on the new North Yorkshire Council.
Councillor Simon Myers – who earlier this month was elected to represent the Mid Craven division on the new council – has become executive member for growth, culture, leisure, sport and housing.
He along with eight other Conservatives were nominated as executive members by re-elected North Yorkshire County Council leader councillor Carl Les.
The executive members will serve one on the county council before the authority – along with the seven district and borough councils – are replaced by the new North Yorkshire Council in April 2023.
Speaking after the meeting, councillor Myers said: “The importance of the new North Yorkshire Council cannot be overstated enough for the future of local democracy in the county.
“It is about providing a collective voice, with the county council working with the seven district authorities for the greater good of North Yorkshire.”
Councillor Myers – who is also due to be appointed as chairman of Craven District Council next week – added: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead as it is a hugely exciting time for North Yorkshire.
“While I am privileged to be a part of the county council’s executive to help shape the way forward, I am committed to ensuring the views of all the district authorities are heard and help create the new unitary authority.”
Meanwhile, Thirsk councillor Gareth Dadd has been re-elected as deputy leader and executive member for finance on the county council.
Killinghall, Hampsthwaite and Saltergate councillor Michael Harrison has also kept his position as executive member for health and adult services.
The number of female councillors on the 10-person executive has doubled to two, with Bedale councillor Annabel Wilkinson being given responsibility for education while Thornton Dale councillor Janet Sanderson has retained the children’s services role.
The business and economic development role has been given to Scalby councillor Derek Bastiman, while Danby and Mulgrave councillor David Chance will look after corporate services.
The final member of the executive is Norton councillor Keane Duncan. He takes over the highways brief from former Harrogate councillor Don Mackenzie.
After this month’s local elections, the county council remains a Conservative majority – but only just.
The Tories got 47 councillors elected after needing 46 for overall control.
Labour and the Liberal Democrats both took 12 seats, while the Greens gained their first countywide representation with five seats.
A total of 13 council seats are also held by independents and there is one Liberal Party councillor.
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