New administration formed

Following the Borough Council Elections in May when the Conservatives lost 12 of their 25 seats on the Borough Council, intensive discussions have been taking place between the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green and Independent Alliance Groups to form a new administration.
Agreement was reached on an ambitious programme for Maidstone to address many of the issues faced by local residents and businesses. However, the Labour Party nationally would not allow their councillors to take part. Therefore the Liberal Democrats and Green Independent Alliance have moved forward and at the Council's Annual Meeting in May formed a joint administration. This has Cllr Stuart Jeffrey of the GIA as Leader and Cllr Clive English (Leader of the Lib  Dem Group) as Deputy Leader of the Council. Clive is also the cabinet member for Environment and Enforcement.
In all there are 8 cabinet members -  4 from each Group. This is an increase in cabinet members, but the programme we have to deliver is very ambitious and we need to have sufficient people to deliver it after years of Tory neglect.
The programme which will set out the new administration's plans for the next 4 years will be presented to the next meeting of the Council on 17th July

In addition to Clive the Lib Dem cabinet members are:

• Cllr Tony Harwood (Planning Policy)
• Cllr Simon Wales (Housing and Homelessness)
• Cllr Dave Naghi (Community Cohesion and Safety)

Additionally Cllr Paul Wilby is chairing the Planning Committee. 

Cllr Simon Wales said, "This is an exciting time to be entrusted to deliver the Housing and Homelessness portfolio. We have ambitious plans for building social housing in suitable sites across the Borough as identified in the revised local plan. We will be working closely with our housing providers, such as Golding Homes who are planning to regenerate part of the Shepway estate, as well as with the private sector to ensure Maidstone has the homes it needs."

Group Leader Clive English added "Working together with the GIA we aim to bring forward an ambitious programme over the next 4 years that will once again make Maidstone a desirable place to live work and do business, whilst protecting and enhancing the built and natural environment"