The York Liberal Democrat Council Group has revealed their policy spokespeople following the start of the council’s 2014/15 civic year.

The Lib Dems, who are the joint largest opposition group on Labour run York Council, unanimously re-elected current leader Cllr Keith Aspden and deputy Cllr Ann Reid at their recent AGM, but have made a number of changes elsewhere.

New roles will see Group Leader Cllr Keith Aspden focus on community engagement, Cllr Keith Orrell lead the campaign to Save York’s Green Belt, Cllr Lynn Jeffries take on health and adult social care, and Cllr Ian Cuthbertson lead on Culture, Tourism and Leisure. 

Announcing the changes, Group Leader Cllr Keith Aspden commented:

“I am delighted to announce these changes as we gear up for elections in 2015 and enter what I hope will be Labour’s last year in charge of York Council. Our Shadow Cabinet team shows that we are the real local alternative to Labour in York.

“A key focus this year will be on opposing Labour’s plans to bulldoze over York’s Green Belt. This is why I am delighted that Keith Orrell, whose Huntington and New Earswickward faces massive Green Belt development, will lead the campaign as our specialist Local Plan spokesperson.

“Lynn Jeffries will use her considerable insight to scrutinise Labour’s performance in delivering health and social care to York’s most vulnerable residents. This is an area where Labour has introduced damaging cuts and failed to deliver their Elderly People’s Homes project.

“Ian Cuthbertson will draw on his vast professional experience to analyse York’s tourism strategy and the radical changes happening across the leisure and culture sector as Labour outsource services, including libraries.

“One of my key priorities as leader will be focusing on community engagement, as I know so many residents currently feel ignored and disconnected from York Council.

“Building on our budget plans, which called for £500,000 to be devolved to local communities, I will push forward the Liberal Democrat vision for real power and real budgets to be handed back to residents and an end to Labour’s culture of secrecy. As a resident recently said, Labour councillors need to remember York is a city with a council and not a council with a city”.

The Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet 2014/15:

Leader (inc Policy & Strategy, Economic Development, Regeneration and Community Engagement) – Cllr Keith Aspden

Deputy Leader (inc Transport, Environment and Housing) – Cllr Ann Reid

Spokespeople:

•  Education, Children & Young People – Cllr Carol Runciman
•  Health, Adult Social Services and Equalities – Cllr Lynn Jeffries
•  Leisure, Culture and Tourism – Cllr Ian Cuthbertson
•  Green Belt/Local Plan and Safer Communities – Cllr Keith Orrell
•  Finance and Performance – Cllr Nigel Ayre