A former nurse will take on Liverpool Council’s adult social care brief after the sudden resignation of a former deputy mayor.
A week on from the unexpected departure of Frazer Lake from the cabinet, city council leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, has moved to replace the ex-Fazakerley East member in his top table.
City centre south ward member Angela Coleman has been named as the new portfolio holder for adult social care.
It was announced earlier this month former councillor Lake was abruptly stepping down from his position – just three months after the city’s all out elections – to take up a role with Unite the Union.
Cllr Coleman – who was elected in 2018 – will now make the step up in an unexpected change to Cllr Robinson’s first cabinet. She said, “I am delighted to take up the role of cabinet member for adult social services at Liverpool Council.
“I know the importance and value of social care from my time as a nurse and I am looking forward to making sure our services are fit to meet the growing demands of an older population.”
The Labour member joined the city council five years ago, comfortably winning the Wavertree ward seat for the party. In May’s landmark ballot, amid the redrawn electoral map of Liverpool, she was one of three candidates to take seats in the new city centre ward.
In a message to former colleagues last week, former deputy mayor Mr Lake said he was stepping down owing to rules barring him from holding his council position alongside his employment. His email said, “I am gutted to be leaving, especially with only just having been re-elected and the ambitious plans that we have in adult social care and Liverpool City Council in general – but I know everyone will continue to achieve this regardless.
“Thank you everyone for all your support and friendship over the years, that won’t end with me leaving.”
The former councillor had faced pressure following the damning report into children’s services at the Cunard Building by Ofsted which said Liverpool Council had left children at risk of harm. At his last appearance of the full council, Mr Lake laid the blame at officers and former head of children’s services.
Confirming Mr Lake’s successor, Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, said, “I am delighted to welcome Cllr Coleman to the cabinet, taking on an extremely important role. Adult Social Services supports thousands of people across the city, helping them continue to live independent lives as they get older.
“As a former nurse, she will bring invaluable and relevant experience to the role and I look forward to working closely with her.”
Labour is yet to confirm their candidate for the impending by-election in the Fazakerley East ward, expected to take place in September. Liverpool Community Independents – who ran a close second place finish in a previous Fazakerley by-election last year – have named Jean Martin as their hopeful.
Student Kayleigh Halpin will stand for the Liberal Democrats.
Image: Cllr Angela Coleman
Why not follow birkenhead.news on Facebook, Twitter, and Threads? You can also send story ideas to news@birkenhead.news
Subscribe to our FREE newsletter