City council undergoes leadership shake up

Derby City Council's leading Labour group has unveiled a new leadership team as it embarks on its final year before local elections are due to take place.

The city council is in no overall control but is led by Labour, which is the biggest group on the council.

Changes have been made to the councillors overseeing the deputy leader and finances roles, and the Conservative councillor Jonathan Smale was elected mayor of the city for the next year.

Some cabinet titles have also been changed to reflect new priorities.

Sinfin and Osmaston councillor Nadine Peatfield will remain leader of the council.

Arboretum councillor Shiraz Khan has taken on the role of deputy leader from Abbey councillor Paul Hezelgrave, who will maintain his role overseeing children, young people and skills.

Khan will continue to oversee housing in the city.

A new role has been created for city centre, culture and tourism, which will be held by Normanton councillor Gurkiran Kaur.

Sinfin and Osmaston councillor Sarah Chambers will oversee cost of living as well as equalities and communities.

Blagreaves councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, a former police and crime commissioner for the city, will oversee the council's budget and finances, as well as keeping responsibilities for digital services.

It is understood all those vacating previous cabinet roles have done so due to personal circumstances.

Darley councillor Carmel Swan retains her role in climate change, transport and sustainability, as does Darley councillor Alison Martin for health and adult care. Mackworth and New Zealand councillor Ndukwe Onuoha remains cabinet member for streetpride, with additional responsibilities for public safety.

The Liberal Democrat councillor for Chaddesden North Richard Hudson will serve as deputy mayor.

The changes were formally signed off at the council's annual general meeting this week.

Peatfield said she and the leadership team were "determined to deliver".

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