Women included in proposed new council cabinet

ACTING Council Leader Ray Dawe today announced the make up of the new Cabinet he intends to introduce if elected leader at the Horsham District Council meeting tonight (Wednesday February 22).

The previous Cabinet was all male and Mr Dawe (Con, Chantry) now intends to bring in two women members, who were elected for the first time in May 2011.

Sue Rogers (Steyning) will be the new Cabinet Member for a Safer and Healthier District, a portfolio which was previously held by Roger Arthur (Con, Chanctonbury).

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In this role Mrs Rogers will be able to draw on her experience as a local magistrate.

Helena Croft (Con, Roffey North) will become the Cabinet Member for Communication, Special Projects and Horsham Town, a newly created and additional portfolio encompassing strategy, internal and external communications and special projects.

Mr Arthur, who was elected on Monday night as Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, will assume the portfolio vacated by Mr Dawe, the important post in these challenging financial times of Cabinet Member for Efficiency and Taxation and Deputy Leader of the Council

The other existing Cabinet Members will retain their current portfolios.

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Mr Dawe said: “It’s vital that Horsham has a Cabinet that brings together the right combination of different skills, talent and experience of all parts of our District, north and south.

“It’s also important that the Council Leadership is as reflective as possible of the communities we serve.

“So I’m delighted to bring two new younger women members into the Cabinet, who are both in their different ways actively engaged in community service.

“Their practical experience will be invaluable to our discussions.”

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He added: “The fresh perspectives that Sue and Helena can offer will complement the continuity provided by the existing Cabinet Members.

“We will have a really strong and balanced team and I’m looking forward to working with the new team.”