A new cabinet portfolio has been created on Stafford Borough Council to drive forward the local authority’s climate change work. 

Council Leader, Patrick Farrington announced a number of changes to his team at a meeting this week.  

As well as appointing Councillor Jonathan Price as the Cabinet Member for Climate Change - other moves see Councillor Jeremy Pert becoming Deputy Leader, alongside his Communities portfolio, and Councillor Mark Winnington is the new Cabinet Member for Environment. 

Councillor Pert takes over as deputy from Councillor Mike Smith - who continues in his role as Cabinet Member for Resources 

Councillor Farrington paid tribute to Councillor Smith saying: “He has been deputy leader throughout my time and provided me with such sage advice and I thank him for his ongoing commitment and hard work.” 

Councillor Price had previously held the Environment brief in the Cabinet which led on the climate change and green recovery agenda.  

After the meeting on Monday (16 May), Councillor Farrington said: “It is right that one of the most important issues facing our world should have a standalone portfolio with an experienced councillor to oversee the work we are doing to reduce carbon emissions and promote green recovery.” 

Recently the council set up a ‘Climate Change Panel’ with residents passionate about the environment from across the borough working alongside officers to introduce and promote initiatives aimed at tackling climate change. 

Councillor Farrington continued: “Last year we added climate change as one of our four priorities and the creation of this new cabinet post further demonstrates our commitment to doing what we can to tackle this issue.” 

The authority has partnered with Keele University, the Centre for Alternative Technology and other Staffordshire councils to look at what is required to achieve the zero carbon targets. Proposals to remove carbon from the atmosphere have already move forward – such as the creation of a new Local Nature Reserve in the centre of Stafford. 

Ant Reid, Co-chair of the Climate Change Panel, said: “Climate change and sustainability impact every part of the council's work and this new cabinet position is an excellent step in making sure the emergency declaration of 2019 results in real impact across the council. We are pleased to see this positive move by the council and we look forward to continuing our work together with the council and the Cabinet member.” 

The new cabinet was announced at a meeting of the Full Council and is: 

• Leader - Patrick Farrington 
• Deputy Leader / Communities - Jeremy Pert 
• Resources - Mike Smith 
• Climate Change - Jonathan Price 
• Environment - Mark Winnington 
• Economic Development and Planning - Frances Beatty 
• Leisure - Carolyn Trowbridge 

Press Release No 5899