New look for Dudley as borough leaders elected (From Dudley News)

New look for Dudley as borough leaders elected

8:13pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Local

DUDLEY has a new look after the formal election by the borough council of councillors for its top jobs.

Control of the authority transferred from Conservative to Labour at local elections earlier this month meaning big changes in the leadership of the administration.

At the first full meeting of the new council, which took place tonight (Thursday May 17), Cllr David Sparks OBE was confirmed as leader and Cllr Melvyn Mottram was elected mayor.

Cllr Mottram told the meeting and a packed council chamber and public gallery that it was a huge honour and privilege to be made Mayor of Dudley.

He added: “I am in good company when I look at both sides of the chamber. I have had little time to prepare for the most important 12 months of my time on the council.

"For me it’s an opportunity to fly the flag for the borough and champion the unique history and the exciting future we have here."

He paid tribute to outgoing mayor Cllr Michael Evans, who he said had been an outstanding ambassador for the borough.

Cllr Mottram nominated Dudley Diabetic Association and Dudley Stroke Association as his chosen charities for his year in office.

He also pledged to promote foster caring, which he described as one of the most rewarding things in life having been a foster parent for 23 children.

Cllr Alan Finch was elected deputy mayor and the new council cabinet was also revealed in full.

Cllr Shaukat Ali is deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration and Cllr Steve Waltho takes charge of adult and community services.

Cllr Tracy Ann Wood has the environment and culture portfolio while Cllr Pete Lowe will have responsibility for finance.

Cllr Zafar Islam will speak on health and wellbeing, which is a new cabinet portfolio, and Cllr Khurshid Ahmed takes charge of housing, libraries and adult learning.

The trio of Cllr Gaye Partridge (human resources, law and governance), Cllr Tim Crumpton (integrated children’s services) and Cllr Judy Foster (transportation and community safety) complete the line up.