A new leader and decision-making executive for Bracknell Forest Council are now in place.
Following the local elections on 4 May, the council is now a Labour run authority, with the Labour group electing Cllr Mary Temperton as leader.
Cllr Temperton announced the new executive at the council’s annual general meeting on Wednesday, 24 May. The executive comprises:
- Cllr Roy Bailey, executive member for children, young people and learning
- Cllr Paul Bidwell, executive member for economic development and regeneration
- Cllr Guy Gillbe, executive member for planning and transport
- Cllr Kandy Jefferies, executive member for culture, delivery and public protection
- Cllr Kathryn Neil, executive member for finance and business change (deputy leader of the council and vice-chair of the executive)
- Cllr Helen Purnell, executive member for environment and community cohesion
- Cllr Megan Wright, executive member of adult services, health and housing
As well as holding the role of leader and chair of the executive, Cllr Temperton will also be the lead councillor for council strategy and climate change.
Additionally, Cllr Ryan Frost has been appointed as support member for children, young people and learning.
Cllr Temperton said:
“It is a real honour to be elected as leader of Bracknell Forest Council.
“Being a councillor is a huge privilege because it gives us some power to make things happen for our communities and the people we represent.
“I always enjoy getting things done and making a difference, listening to residents and taking on their challenges. As leader, I very much plan to carry on working with my community and fellow councillors to make it an even better place to live, work and visit.
“Collectively, my executive colleagues and I plan to make the council more open, transparent and inclusive. To listen and to learn.
“I want to make climate change a priority for all in the borough, not just the council, and so I have taken on the climate change portfolio of work to give it a real focus.
“Likewise, prioritising provision for our youth throughout the borough is important, as is tackling the issues with SEND provision. This is why we now have an executive member and support member for children, young people and learning to drive this important work forward.”
About Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of Bracknell Forest Council
Cllr Temperton joined the Labour party at age 16. She has been a borough councillor since 2011 and has been a Bracknell Town councillor for 40 years. She is ward councillor for Great Hollands.
Cllr Temperton has lived in Bracknell for more than 30 years and was a science teacher for all her working life - teaching many young people at Easthampstead Park School (now King’s Academy Easthampstead Park).
She is also chair of Great Hollands Community Centre.
