In a significant development for York and North Yorkshire, a prominent councillor from York is on track to become the region’s new Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime. This appointment, if confirmed, will see her effectively take over the responsibilities previously held by the former Crime Commissioner.
The Mayor has identified the councillor as the ‘preferred appointee’ for the role, with a confirmation hearing scheduled before the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on 12 June. Should the panel approve the appointment, the new Deputy Mayor will be endowed with substantial responsibilities, including the authority to appoint and remove the chief constable, set the police budget, and establish local policing priorities.
Reflecting on the choice, the Mayor remarked that the role is crucial and required careful consideration for the appointment. The Mayor’s plan for the region includes tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, with a particular focus on addressing their root causes. It is believed that the new appointee will be an invaluable asset to the team, helping to achieve these goals. The appointee’s experience at the City of York Council demonstrates dedication to public service and a commitment to helping all communities.
The councillor, who hails from Malton and grew up in York, has had a distinguished political career, including serving as Chief of Staff to a Shadow Home Secretary and as an adviser to a former MP. Additionally, they worked as head of communications and campaigns for a consultancy focused on crime and justice, collaborating closely with mayors and police, fire, and crime commissioners nationwide.
Despite the anticipated new role, the councillor will continue to represent Westfield ward in York. This move has necessitated a reshuffle within the City of York Council’s Executive. Responsibilities for health, wellbeing, and adult social care will now be managed by another executive member, while the Deputy Leader will assume responsibility for libraries, culture, arts, economic development, and tourism. Transport responsibilities have been reassigned to a different councillor. The finance portfolio will be jointly managed by two councillors, while sole responsibility for the environment and climate emergency will fall to another executive member.
Announcing the changes, the Council Leader expressed confidence in the restructured team, stating that despite the challenging financial landscape, they are confident that the team will continue to deliver positive results for the people of York.
New-Look Executive Team at City of York Council
Following the reshuffle, the City of York Council’s ruling Executive is composed as follows:
- Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Policy, Strategy and Partnerships: The Council Leader
- Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture: The Deputy Leader
- Executive Members for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion: Two Councillors (job-share)
- Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities: A Councillor
- Executive Member for Transport: A Councillor
- Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education: A Councillor
- Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care: A Councillor
- Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency: A Councillor
The confirmation of the new Deputy Mayor for Police, Fire and Crime is set to mark a significant shift in the administration of York and North Yorkshire’s policing and emergency services. As the new appointee prepares to assume the role, stakeholders and residents alike will be watching closely to see how leadership impacts the region’s approach to crime, public safety, and community well-being.
In conclusion, the anticipated appointment signifies a notable transition in the governance of police and fire services in York and North Yorkshire. With extensive background in public service and crime consultancy, the appointee is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the region’s safety and security agenda. As the City of York Council navigates this period of change, the reshuffled Executive team aims to sustain and enhance the council’s efforts in serving the community amidst financial constraints. The upcoming confirmation hearing on 12 June will be a pivotal moment in solidifying these new administrative directions.
