Your New Council
So we have a new council and as predicted the Greens are involved and plan to make an imPACTful contribution to the make up of the cabinet. Much to the chagrin of my fastidious fast fingered friends.
So who is doing what?
David King (Liberal Democrat)— Leader
I talk to a lot of people and let’s just say that after a few drinks the civil servants of our fine town (now City) can be somewhat loose lipped. It was said that he was the glue holding the last administration together, and picked up most of the slack for the more often pictured of a certain portfolio holder in the last but one cabinet.
It will be interesting to see what direction he takes the Council and is hopefully more like Mark Cory than Paul Smith. Time will tell.
Adam Fox (Labour)— Deputy Leader
It is time for Adam to shine but he is in the Nick Clegg to David Cameron position. He has no reported portfolio as of yet ,which could actually help him as he cannot be blamed for the inevitable. I hope he gets his teeth into something that raises his profile.
Pam Cox (Labour) — Heritage
As sensible appointment. I see that she is bang into Social policy and the Marxists believe that social policy is a way of upholding capitalism and the interests of the bourgeoisie (the elite ruling class). The state is part of the bourgeoisie, so any social policies are designed to benefit only the interests of capitalists and capitalist society. However, lighting up the towns historical assets and a Roman sword fight is probably a more achievable aim.
Steph Nissen (Greens) — Environment & Sustainability
A veritable newcomer to the cabinet. A tad spiky on social media but the cloak of responsibility is now firmly on her shoulders. I see some bold statements have been made concerning Middlewick but nothing in the manifesto about Alumno. I foresee both will go through, which will leave Steph in an awkward position. The local Lib Dems and Labour are not as green they are cabbage looking, and in a coalition they have the Green’s tied into some collective responsibility. It is deliciously Machiavellian and my kind of politics. I like David King already.
Julie Young (Labour) — Housing & Communities
Julie is a veteran Councillor and universally respected and it makes sense for her to be in the cabinet. The only member on this list who has actually told me off in real life, which I probably deserved. However, I am sure it is coming soon from Steph Nissen. I am sure that student accommodation is a priority as well as council housing as the volume of HMO’s in her own ward would have the potential to release back hundreds of family homes.
Martin Goss (Liberal Democrats) — Neighbourhood & Waste
I was surprised to see Martin back in his old portfolio job. Especially as all the noise and bad news stories came from this role last time around, which contributed to the last coalition losing to the Conservatives. Whilst I will protect the names of my sources, let us just say there were multiple ocular strains with the workers due to aggressive eye rolls when this was announced.
Mark Cory (Liberal Democrats) — Resources
I like Mark Cory and can foresee that he is the Liberal Democrats most likely and credible challenger by a country mile to become the next MP for Colchester. He did do a decent job as leader of the Council last time around and I am sure he will excel in this role.
Andrea Luxford-Vaughan (Liberal Democrats) — Planning & Infrastructure
I did not see this coming, with the greatest respect to Andrea she was a lone voice of dissent the last time around, and is a straight shooter and very robust communicator. Her opposition to the garden villages is well documented as she is fiercely defensive of the leafy London suburb of Wivenhoe. I am intrigued to see how this plays out. Especially as the previous coalition created the local plan.
Noted absences
Mike Lilley (Labour)
Where is Mike???? I thought he grew into his role last time around and deserved to be there. Such a shame.
Paul Smith (Liberal Democrat)
I am kind of relieved with this one. There was whispers of him being mooted for his old position, with developers up and down the land glued to their teletext to see if he did get the job.
Lee Scordis (Labour)
I am sure a plum committee is waiting for him but surely his time in the spotlight is due?
Mark Goacher (Greens)
The Green Man of Colchester holds an almost Gandalf like status amongst the more hemp based residents of our fine town. I am sure that the £100k for an Ecology/Environmental Consultant would have been better spent if we just employed Mark on a full-time basis.
So here we have it and hopefully a combined list of manifesto actions will be published and committed to. For the sake of democracy we must hold those in power to account.
