All change in the Council Cabinet

Date published: 14/11/2006

It’s all change on Rochdale Borough Council’s Cabinet as Councillor David Clayton swaps positions with Councillor Irene Davidson.  Councillor Clayton has decided to stand aside as he thought there may be a possible conflict of interest in the future as his wife teaches at Balderstone Technology College.  David will now become the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care and Councillor Irene Davidson will become Cabinet Member for Childrens’ Schools and Families.  Constitutionally this may have to wait for formal ratification but the two Cabinet Members will swap positions with immediate effect.

Councillor Clayton said: "I have taken legal advice on the matter and it is clear that I could have remained in the job.  I would not however been able to play a part in any discussions about Balderstone Technology College and Springhill School.  That is integral to the £150,000,000 Building Schools for the Future Bid and it became increasingly apparent that I would not be able to do a key part of my job.  I will be moving Portfolios to enable Councillor Davidson to play a full role in all aspects of this key position.  I would like to put on record my thanks to Terry Piggott and the staff at the LEA who continue to do an excellent job in revolutionising education in this Borough. I will look to build on the hard work of Irene in this key position."

Councillor Irene Davidson, who is very experienced in education, said: "David has done an excellent job in the six months he has been in the position.  His decision to stand aside is a courageous one and it is obvious that he puts our children’s education first.  I look forward to the challenges ahead and obviously the number one priority is the Building Schools for the Future bid and the future of sixth form provision.  If successful, this bid will revolutionise education in this Borough – however emotions are running high at the moment over some of the proposals.  I must make it clear that they are just proposals and I will be a listening, proactive Cabinet Member for Children."