New Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council cabinet announced

The new cabinet for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been announced.

At a council meeting last Thursday, leader Simon Bound (Con, Sherborne St John & Rooksdown) revealed the new cabinet, which will take decisions at the council, after a number of former cabinet members didn’t stand for re-election earlier this month.

John Izett (Evingar) continues as deputy leader, as well as cabinet member for finance and property.

A new councillor is joining the cabinet team, with Samuel Carr (Evingar) taking the role of cabinet member for homes and regeneration.

Mr Bound announced that other councillors would be staying in cabinet roles but with changes to their portfolio responsibilities.

Rebecca Bean (Hatch Warren and Beggarwood) will be cabinet member for resident services, Hayley Eachus (Kempshott & Buckskin) will be responsible for environment and climate action, Jay Ganesh (Sherborne St John & Rooksdown) for planning and infrastructure and Jenny Vaux (Chineham) for partnerships.

Mr Bound, who took over from Ken Rhatigan as leader in February, said: “At a time when people are struggling with rising bills, we have a strong and diverse cabinet committed to the borough being a place where everyone feels included and thrives.

“We have reorganised our portfolio areas around our key council priorities, delivering great value services for one of the lowest council taxes of districts in the country and supporting those who need it.

“The focus in all our work is on achieving our carbon net zero targets and taking action on the ecological emergency.

“In planning for the future, we want to ensure that we protect our environment while balancing the need for good jobs and somewhere great to live.

“We will work to attract the best employers and facilities to benefit our residents, including securing investment in a new hospital.

“After hearing what is most important to people, we must now drive forward on breathing new life into Basingstoke town centre and the leisure park to make them more sustainable for the future.”