Councillor leaves cabinet following breach of protocol - The Rugby Observer

Councillor leaves cabinet following breach of protocol

Rugby Editorial 23rd Jun, 2017 Updated: 23rd Jun, 2017   0

COUNCILLOR Alan Cockburn has stepped down from his position as Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Portfolio Holder for Transport following an ‘unintended breach of protocol’.

A statement from Warwickshire County Council has confirmed the issue is currently being considered by the council’s monitoring office.

Coun Alan Cockburn remains an active elected member representing the ward of Kenilworth St Johns.

He was named as Portfolio Holder for Transport on May 23 this year. The post included responsibility for all services in the county relating to highways, HS2, rights of way and road safety.




On the same day Nuneaton coun Jeff Clarke was named as Portfolio Holder for Education.

But less than a month later it has been revealed both roles have been merged into one position for Coun Clarke.


No explanation was initially given for the changes, and when asked by the Observer, leader of the ruling Conservative group Coun Izzi Seccombe said she was ‘following enquiries’ and no further information could be given.

The Kenilworth and Southam Liberal Democrat group demanded answers from the council.

Richard Dickson, a Lib Dem candidate in the recent county council election, said: “In the absence of any personal reasons for this change, electors have the right to be kept informed. What are the reasons for this sudden removal of Coun Cockburn from the cabinet?”

Coun Cockburn was the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property between 2016 and 2017, and Deputy Leader of the Council from 2013 to 2016.

He has represented the Kenilworth St John’s Division since 2001 and was re-elected in May 2017.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Rugby Observer.

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.