Wolverhampton Council's Labour administration has confirmed its cabinet positions for the coming year following this month's local elections, which saw significant gains by the Reform UK party.
Election Impact and Cabinet Changes
The annual meeting on Wednesday (May 20) saw the ruling Labour group finalize its cabinet after the May 7 elections, where Reform won 11 seats—ten from Labour and one from the Conservatives. This reduced Labour's majority to just four seats, with the party now holding 35 seats on the council.
Council Leader Stephen Simkins remains in his role, with Steve Evans continuing as deputy leader and cabinet member for city housing and assets. The only reshuffle involves Paula Brookfield, who moves to replace Chris Burden as cabinet member for city development, jobs, and skills after Burden lost his Fallings Park seat to Reform.
Linda Leach returns to the cabinet, taking over Brookfield's previous role as cabinet member for adults. Sally Green becomes cabinet member for resources, replacing Louise Miles, who also lost her East Park seat to Reform.
Other Cabinet Positions
Jacqui Coogan retains her role as cabinet member for children, young people, and education, while Obaida Ahmed continues with the health, wellbeing, and community portfolio. Jeszemma Howl, re-elected in Ettingshall North, keeps governance and digital responsibilities.
Qaiser Azeem, re-elected in St Peter's ward, swaps roles with Bhupinder Gakhal, who now holds the city's transport portfolio. Azeem becomes cabinet member for resident services.
Reform has overtaken the Conservatives as the main opposition party, now holding 13 seats compared to the Tories' ten.
Leader's Warning and Call for Unity
Council Leader Stephen Simkins welcomed new and returning councillors but warned that the coming year would be "challenging." He emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "As the nation's politics is fractious, I'd like to think that here in Wolverhampton we bring our communities together and we do not divide them. That's the art of politics."
Simkins added, "It's positivity that actually gets this city thriving, and we look forward to all the hard work and commitment that all members will do within this city."
