Westminster Council shake-up: fresh face at finance

Published: 13th May, 2011
by JOSH LOEB

WESTMINSTER has a new finance chief after a reshuffle of top-table councillors.

Philippa Roe has moved from housing to oversee the council’s coffers, replacing Cllr Melvyn Caplan, who had occupied that post since 2008.

Cllr Caplan in turn moves to become cabinet member for customer services and transformation. 

New appointments to the front bench include Cllr Jonathan Glanz, who has risen quickly through the ranks of the local Conservative Party since being elected in the West End ward in 2009 following the death of Cllr Ian Wilder.

He moves from deputy cabinet member for parking and transportation to become cabinet member for housing and property.

Councillors Robert Davis, Ed Argar and Nickie Aiken remain in their posts – as do Lee Rowley and Daniel Astaire – but have had their briefs extended.

Steve Summers becomes deputy cabinet member for the built environment with responsibility for the Olympics, sport and leisure. 

Other new appointments include Louise Hyams who becomes deputy cabinet member for children, young people and community protection with responsibility for family recovery while Cllr Richard Beddoe is deputy for the same portfolio with responsibility for community protection.

Cllr Ed Baxter becomes deputy cabinet member for city management with responsibility for cleansing and hygiene while Tony Devenish becomes deputy for the same portfolio but with responsibility for public works.