Councillor joins Cabinet (From Watford Observer)

Councillor joins Cabinet

2:14pm Thursday 2nd October 2008 in

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Watford Councillor Bernadette Laventure has been confirmed as the new portfolio holder for corporate services at Watford Borough Council.

Councillor Laventure, who was elected in May 2007, replaces Councillor Shirena Counter, who stood down last month, in Mayor Dorothy Thornhill's Cabinet, alongside Councillors Derek Scudder, Andy Wylie and Iain Sharpe.

As portfolio holder responsible for leisure and community services, Councillor Counter was played a key role in the development of the new Woodside and Central leisure centres. She resigned to spend more time with her family, but will continue as a councillor in the Oxhey Ward.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, said: “I am delighted to have Bernadette on board, and know she will be a real asset to the team. I would like to thank Shirena for her excellent service over the last five years and know that her decision to put family first is the right one. It goes to show how it is still difficult for those with caring responsibilities to participate in public office; choices have to be made.”

As corporate services portfolio, Councillor Laventure will be responsible for customer services, communications and the monitoring of the Council’s performance.

The Cabinet reshuffle aligns portfolio holders with Heads of Services following a recent Council restructure. Councillor Wylie becomes portfolio holder for finance, and shared services (Watford and Three Rivers’ Councils joint working initiative). Councillor Sharpe now looks after planning, development and transportation, plus legal and property, while Mayor Thornhill, previously Partnerships portfolio holder, takes on leisure and community services. Councillor Scudder remains as portfolio holder for environmental services.