Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Nottinghamshire County Council opposition leader Sam Smith announces appointments to new Conservative shadow cabinet positions




The opposition leader on Nottinghamshire County Council has announced his new shadow cabinet.

Conservative group leader and official county opposition leader, Sam Smith, has today (Wednesday) confirmed his new Conservative shadow cabinet who will “hold the Reform-led administration to account” while championing the priorities of local people.

The team is mad up of experienced councillors who Mr Smith described as “represents the best of Conservative local leadership.”

Nottinghamshire County Council opposition leader Sam Smith, with shadow cabinet member for children and families, education and SEND Sue Saddington.
Nottinghamshire County Council opposition leader Sam Smith, with shadow cabinet member for children and families, education and SEND Sue Saddington.

He added: “Every member has a track record of delivery, and together we will continue to fight for quality services, sound finances, and strong communities.

“We are ready to provide a constructive challenge, defend what we achieved in office, and ensure the residents of Nottinghamshire continue to get the services they deserve.”

The shadow cabinet appointments are:

• Sue Saddington, Farndon and Trent division – shadow cabinet member for children and families, education and SEND

A long serving member of the county council, she will lead scrutiny of education, special educational needs, early years, and social care for children and families.

• Janette Barlow, Collingham division – shadow cabinet member for communities and public health

She will take a lead on libraries, community resilience, health promotion and local public health strategy, with the aim of preserving frontline services.

• Neil Clarke, Bingham West division — shadow cabinet member for economic development and asset management

His focus will be on council assets, economic growth, commercial property, office strategy, and development partnerships.

• Mike Introna, Retford East division — shadow cabinet member for transport and the environment

He will scrutinise decisions affecting highways maintenance, public transport services, flood risk, and green infrastructure.

• Stuart Bestwick, Newstead division – shadow cabinet member for finance and resources

He will oversee scrutiny of the budget, spending decisions, council tax and the medium-term financial strategy.

Nottinghamshire County Council opposition leader Sam Smith, with shadow cabinet member for communities and public health Janette Barlow.
Nottinghamshire County Council opposition leader Sam Smith, with shadow cabinet member for communities and public health Janette Barlow.

Jonathan Wheeler has been chosen as Conservative chief whip and adult social care shadow spokesman, while Bruce Laughton will continue as the Conservative group’s deputy leader, on Sam Smith’s senior leadership team.

Mr Laughton said: “We have a duty to hold this new administration to account — especially on the issues that matter most to our rural communities, from road improvements and school places to protecting our countryside from inappropriate development.

“Our team has the experience, the drive, and the knowledge of how local government really works.

“Together, we’ll make sure Reform don’t forget who they’re here to serve — the people of Nottinghamshire.”

Mr Smith concluded by saying the opposition would be there to "stand up for Nottinghamshire’s residents, protect the services they rely on, and make sure promises made at the election are kept."

He added: “This shadow cabinet will provide clear, effective, and responsible opposition.

“We’ll back the administration where they act in the county’s best interests — but we’ll challenge them when they fall short.

“This is about protecting everything we built and making sure Nottinghamshire continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.”



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More