KNOWSLEY Council has announced its new leader today (Friday, May 18 following a vote at the authority's annual meeting).

Cllr Graham Morgan will take on the role, the council has announced, after predecessor Cllr Andy Moorhead was ousted earlier in the month following a disappointing local election campaign for Labour.

Cllr Morgan has been a councillor in Knowsley since 1995, serving as deputy leader for some years and holding Cabinet portfolios including ‘Leisure’ and, most recently, ‘Regeneration and Economic Development’.

He has worked for Merseyside Fire and Rescue for the past 12 years as an arson reduction officer, but now plans to take a one-year career break to concentrate on the role of leader full time.

At the meeting, Cllr Sean Donnelly, member for Whitefield ward, was named deputy leader, whilst Cabinet members were named as follows:

  • Cllr Tony Brennan – Regeneration and Economic Development
  • Cllr Sean Donnelly – Health and Social Care
  • Cllr Margaret Harvey – Children’s services
  • Cllr Shelley Powell – Communities and Neighbourhoods
  • Cllr Jayne Aston – Resources

At the same meeting, Cllr Jackie Harris was named as Knowsley’s new Mayor for 2018-19.

Meanwhile, councillors agreed a series of changes to the authority’s governance structure which will generate permanent savings of £31,000 per year. These savings have been realised by removing the posts of Cabinet Lead Members.

On his appointment, Cllr Morgan said: “I’m delighted to be taking up this post and pleased that I have a really strong Cabinet around me who are all united in making decisions which will help Knowsley develop and thrive.

“We have some clear priorities, including managing the ongoing impact of unfair cuts to our budget, which will be our initial focus. I know people are very keen to hear more about this and I can assure them that we remain open to feedback from our communities and will always make decisions – however tough they may be - based on the best interests of the people of Knowsley.

“To that end, there will be announcements to follow in the coming weeks and months.”

Cllr Morgan added he is passionate about education, something he says is very close to his heart given his role as chair of governors at Lord Derby Academy – and he says raising standards across the borough will be another of his major priorities.