New Melton Borough Council leader announces his cabinet
The new leader of Melton Borough Council has this afternoon (Friday) named the six councillors who will serve alongside him in the cabinet.
Councillor Ronan Browne, leader of the Conservative group, was elected on Tuesday following a dramatic extraordinary full council meeting where the voting was tied at 14-14 between him and Labour candidate Mike Brown.
The Mayor of Melton, Councillor Siggy Atherton (Conservative), used her casting vote to confirm Councillor Browne’s election.
Former council leader, Councillor Joe Orson, returns to the cabinet as portfolio holder for community safety, health and rural affairs while Councillors Robert Child has been installed as Deputy Leader.
The cabinet is rounded out by Councillors Alison Freer, Ian Atherton, Don Pritchett and Simon Lumley.
Councillor Browne commented: "It is a great honour to have been elected as leader of Melton Borough Council, and it is my pleasure to introduce our new cabinet who bring rich and diverse experience across a range of important areas.
"At a time of great change in local government, we will work collaboratively with our fellow councillors, and dedicated officer team, to improve the lives of those who live in all parts of Melton borough.
“As an administration we are keen to ensure the services we deliver meet local needs, that we transition well through local government reform, and that we engage openly with our communities so that together we make Melton a great place to live, work and visit.”
The Melton Borough Council cabinet members and their responsibilities are as follows:
Councillor Ronan Browne - leader and portfolio holder for corporate leadership and projects – providing overall strategic leadership, overseeing local government reform and key projects like the Stockyard delivery and aspirations to secure a second GP surgery. Councillor Robert Child – deputy leader and portfolio holder for corporate finance, rroperty and resources – with responsibility for ensuring the council remains financially sustainable and manages its resources and assets effectively. Councillor Alison Freer – portfolio holder for corporate governance, waste and environmental services – with responsibility for ensuring effective and transparent decision making, and democratic accountability, alongside overseeing the council’s waste and environmental services.
Councillor Ian Atherton – portfolio holder for customer services, communities and helping people – with responsibility for customer access and experience, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting community cohesion. Also overseeing the council’s regulatory services.
Councillor Don Pritchett – portfolio holder for planning policy, economic growth and town centre – with responsibility for overseeing the development of planning policy, promoting economic growth, inward investment and town centre vitality.
Councillor Simon Lumley – portfolio holder for landlord services, social and private sector housing – with responsibility for the council’s landlord function including assets and tenancy management, and private sector housing.
Councillor Joe Orson – portfolio holder for community safety, health and rural affairs – with responsibility for community safety, leisure centres, physical activity and rural affairs.
Former leader Councillor Pip Allnatt, who resigned earlier this month, formerly led an Independent/Labour coalition administration following the May 2023 local elections.