The Leader of Milton Keynes Council, Pete Marland, has reshuffled his cabinet with five out of seven appointments now filled by female councillors. The Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, Nigel Long, has left the cabinet to take a lead role in mentoring new councillors. His colleague Martin Gowans has also left his position as Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport. Local media in Milton Keynes is reporting the reason for his departure being a desire to spend more time with his young family.
The Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Community Partnerships, Moriah Priestley, has left the cabinet. She was expected to be made Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes last week but the appointment was delayed following allegations made by a whistleblower.
The reshuffle has also been used to reduce the size of the Cabinet from nine to seven members. Nigel Long’s housing and regeneration portfolio is now part of the public realm post. Martin Gowans’ planning and transport responsibilities have been transferred into the climate and sustainability portfolio.
The majority of the remaining cabinet positions are unchanged. There is one new appointment. Carole Baume joins the Cabinet to take responsibility for Economy and Culture. Councillor Baume has represented Woughton and Fishermead since 2019. She was previously councillor for Bletchley East between 2015 and 2016.
The Milton Keynes Cabinet is now formed of:
- Leader of the Council – Pete Marland
- Deputy Leader and Health and Wellbeing – Hannah O’Neill
- Economy and Culture – Carole Baume (new appointment)
- Public Realm – Emily Darlington (including Housing and Regeneration)
- Resources – Robert Middleton
- Children and Families – Zoe Nolan
- Climate and Sustainability – Jenny Wilson-Marklew (including Planning and Transport)
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