By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 11:07, Saturday, 12 May 2012

The leader elect of Carlisle City Council has unveiled the team that, he hopes, will lead a revival in the city’s fortunes.

Elsie Martlew

Dr Joe Hendry will become the first Labour leader of the council for 13 years when he takes the reigns of power from Conservative Mike Mitchelson next Monday.

The hand over follows four Labour victories in the council elections last week, giving the party an outright majority for the first time since 1999.

Dr Hendry has announced the make up of his six-member ruling executive.

His deputy, Currock councillor Colin Glover, will be responsible for economy and enterprise.

St Aidan’s representative Anne Quilter takes on culture, health, leisure and young people while Belle Vue’s Jessica Riddle holds the portfolio for communities and housing.

There are places for two newly-elected councillors.

Elsie Martlew, wife of former MP Eric, won in Castle to secure a return to the council she sat on from 1973 to 1991 as a member for Denton Holme. She takes on the environment and transport portfolio.

And Les Tickner, who won in Belle Vue, is the council’s former head of environmental services who was made redundant in 2009.

He takes on finance, resources and governance.

Conservative MP John Stevenson hopes to hold early talks with Dr Hendry to discuss ways they can co-operate despite political differences.

He said: “I congratulate Joe Hendry on becoming the new leader of the council. I intend to be a critical friend.

“I will work where possible with Joe and his senior management team to ensure the best for Carlisle.

“I want us to work towards a more business-friendly city to create the jobs and prosperity our city needs.”

Mr Stevenson also paid tribute to Mr Mitchelson who has been replaced as leader of the Conservative group by his deputy, the Longtown councillor John Mallinson.

The MP said: “Mike was a successful leader of the council for 13 years. I believe he has left Carlisle City Council in good shape with a strong management team and sound finances.”

One council seat in Harraby remains vacant following the death of Labour councillor Dave Weedall last month. It will be filled at a by-election on June 21.

Would-be voters who are not on the electoral roll have until June 6 to register. This is also the deadline for new postal vote applications.

First published at 08:58, Saturday, 12 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk