Merseyside's first Reform UK council leader has been handed a key post in Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram's cabinet. Councillor George Woodward, who led his party to a sweeping victory in St Helens Council elections in May, will take on the education portfolio in the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority cabinet.
New Role Confirmed
The newly-elected borough chief's position is set to be confirmed when the body meets on Friday. He joins five other local authority leaders around the cabinet table, each holding a portfolio for the combined authority. The council leaders of all Liverpool City Region boroughs make up the cabinet.
Reform UK took control of St Helens Council from the Labour Party in May's all-out ballots, reducing Labour to just two seats. Rotheram admitted last month he had never heard of his new colleague but has since charged him with leading the Combined Authority's strategy on education across the city region.
Challenges Ahead
Speaking last month, Rotheram laid down a challenge to Councillor Woodward, saying: "If he wants to do the best for St Helens and doesn't want to play party politics all the time, he's got a job to do, not only as the leader of St Helens but as a cabinet member in the Liverpool City Region. If he wants to do that, then we can go forward. If he wants to spend his time playing silly games then that's up to him."
Woodward has made waves in his short time in post, revealing that the council would look to pull its support for Pride events and Refugee Week across the borough. He said he did not think this was an "appropriate use of council resources."
Criticism Over Pride Decision
Rotheram criticised his new colleague's decision to withdraw support for Pride events in St Helens. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, he rejected Woodward's remarks about Pride and "transgender ideology." Rotheram said: "I don't think he is right. If you've been to Pride in Liverpool, you'll see the marches through the city centre, there's lots and lots of people having fun, but they're celebrating diversity."
Woodward joins the five other existing cabinet members. Halton leader Councillor Mike Wharton continues as deputy mayor and lead for regeneration, innovation and economic growth. Knowsley Council leader Councillor Graham Morgan will hold the housing portfolio with a new focus on strategic planning. The transfer of police and fire functions to the combined authority will be overseen by Councillor Liam Robinson, while Councillor Marion Atkinson remains skills and employment portfolio holder. Wirral Council leader Paula Basnett will take on a new energy and environment brief.
Rotheram said: "We have a significant year ahead as we prepare to bring our region's buses back under public control for the first time in 40 years. To ensure the Combined Authority continues delivering on the priorities set out in my manifesto, I have refreshed and expanded cabinet portfolios so we can maintain a clear focus on the issues that matter most to our residents. I've tasked my cabinet with a clear mission: to make the Liverpool City Region the best place to grow up, grow a family, and grow a business. Having recently secured our first £1.5bn integrated settlement from government, achieving that ambition is now closer than ever – and we're ready to get to work."
