Mayor reaffirms partnership working focus with deputy and committee chair appointments

Mayor reaffirms partnership working focus with deputy and committee chair appointments

Paul Bristow underlined his commitment to partnership working as he chaired his first Combined Authority Board today (June 4).

At the Annual General Meeting, held ahead of the main Board meeting, his nominations for deputy mayor and committee chairs were approved.

Describing both the new appointees and wider Board members as “partners for delivery,” the Mayor said it reflected a united focus on getting things done across the region.

The appointments are:

Deputy Mayor: Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council

Chair of the Transport Committee: Cllr Chris Boden, Leader, Fenland District Council

Chair of the Skills Committee: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader, Cambridgeshire County Council

Chair of the Growth Committee: Cllr Sarah Conboy, Leader, Huntingdonshire District Council.

Paul Bristow said: “When I was elected, I pledged to Get Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Moving and to do that, we need to pull together.

“I may chair the Combined Authority Board, but we are all partners in delivery, and all passionate about delivering for our communities.

“The joint letter calling on the Government to finally upgrade Ely Junction is a perfect example of speaking with one voice, which will be critical to getting things done.

“So, when we secure investment and when we get spades in the ground and deliver for our residents, it won’t just be a win for the Mayor, it will be a win for all of us.”

Deputy Mayor Cllr Anna Bailey said: “The Mayor is willing to work with anyone who shares his ambition for a healthier, wealthier and happier Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and I fully support that mission. I’m proud to take on the role of Deputy Mayor and help turn his manifesto pledges into action.

“Partnership working is the right approach. We must focus on delivery, value for money, and decisions that make a difference for local people in every corner of the region. That’s what residents expect from all of us.”

Councillor Lucy Nethsingha said: “Strong partnership working is essential to our efforts to make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a better place to live and work. I welcome the Mayor’s commitment to collaboration, and I’m looking forward to working closely with colleagues across the region to drive real results.

“I’m also pleased to continue as chair of the Skills Committee and build on our successes so far in giving people the training and qualifications they need to thrive in our economy.”

As set out in the Mayor’s manifesto, the following committee name changes were also approved to better reflect priorities and clarity of purpose:

• Transport and Infrastructure Committee → Transport Committee
• Environment and Sustainable Communities Committee → Growth Committee
• Skills and Employment Committee → Skills Committee
• Investment Committee → Funding Committee
• Human Resources Committee → Staffing Committee
• Business Board → Business Panel

The Mayor will chair the Funding Committee and the Staffing Committee, reflecting his focus on securing investment and supporting an improving organisation.