A new leader has been elected for Bolsover District Council – and, with local government reorganisation on the horizon, she could be its last.
Cllr Jane Yates, who represents the Shirebrook South ward, has taken over from Cllr Steve Fritchley, who recently announced his retirement from the position.
Cllr Yates is joined by Cllr Donna Hales (Bolsover North and Shuttlewood) who will take up the position of deputy leader.
“Firstly I would like to thank members for putting their trust in me,” Cllr Yates said.
“I would also like to thank the previous leadership for their support since I was elected in 2023 and giving me the opportunity to join the junior cabinet allowing me to build upon my experience.”
Cllr Yates named three other members of her cabinet:
- Cllr John Ritchie (Growth)
- Cllr Mary Dooley (Health and Wellbeing)
- Cllr Clive Moesby (Resources)
Remaining positions would be announced in March, she said, once interviews had been completed.
Cllr Yates added: “I pledge to build upon the achievements of the previous leadership and will build upon our corporate aims.”
One of the main issues that Cllr Yates’ new administration will deal with is local government reorganisation.
Central government has announced its intention to bring local areas which have two tiers (ie: district and county) into one unitary authority which oversees all the services delivered previously by two levels of local government.
“It is happening and I want to put this at the heart of what we do,” Cllr Yates said.
“I will be creating a post on my cabinet to deal with this and work to ensure we remain influential and well represented at the decision making tables.”
Cllr Yates said she was “incredibly proud and honoured” to have been given the opportunity to lead Bolsover District Council and said she would strive to deliver top class services for the benefit of local residents.