Newark and Sherwood District Council portfolio holder steps down and moves from Labour to Green Party

A Labour councillor has stepped down from his portfolio holder position and swapped political party.

Matthew Spoors, who has served as Newark and Sherwood District Council’s portfolio holder for sustainable economic development since the last local election (May 5, 2023) and represents Devon Ward, has announced his move to the Green Party.

The portfolio holder role will be taken over by Labour’s Claire Penny, who represents Rainworth North and Rufford.

Mr Spoors said: “I am proud of all I have achieved in my time as portfolio holder for sustainable economic development and know that it is in safe hands with Councillor Penny.

“Irrespective of moving political parties, the residents of Newark and Sherwood will always remain my central priority. I will continue to do my best by them and represent them all, including the ward members who stood behind me at the elections last year.

“I will continue to listen and do all I can to continue to make Newark and Sherwood a great place to live.”

Paul Peacock, leader of the council said: “Councillor Matthew Spoors will be standing down from his position on the district council’s cabinet as portfolio holder for sustainable economic development. Councillor Claire Penny who has a wealth of experience and passion for our local economy in Newark and Sherwood will be taking the portfolio forward.

“I would like to thank Councillor Spoors for all his hard work and wish him well as he moves to the Green Party. I am really looking forward to working with Councillor Penny on our many exciting plans and am confident she will be a huge asset to our cabinet moving forward.”

Claire Penny, the new portfolio holder for sustainable economic development added: “I am thrilled to be working on behalf of all our residents creating a sustainable and thriving economy. I’m impressed with the work of the district council’s cabinet over the last year and building on the huge successes so far, putting our residents at the heart of our decisions, and making Newark and Sherwood a place people want to live, work, train and visit is incredibly important to me.

“There is a lot to do, and I can’t wait to get started.”