Hillfields councillor Ellie King joins Bristol’s cabinet

One of Bristol’s newest intake of councillors has been promoted to a cabinet position.

Labour’s Ellie King, ward member for Hillfields and who lives in Fishponds, will take part in her first cabinet meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

King takes on responsibility for public health, communities and Bristol One City, overseeing areas including community assets, libraries, parks and green spaces, and events.

In a rejig of roles, deputy mayor Asher Craig will now take on responsibility for children services, education and equalities.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “Working with Ellie, I aim to ensure we continue to protect our libraries and green spaces whilst reopening and building on Bristol’s world renowned events and festivals sector.

“We will work with partners to prioritise our public health and ensure communities are safe, healthy and able to flourish.

“With Ellie joining us this has created the opportunity for Asher to take on a role dedicated to driving forward our ambitious plans for children and education.

“Asher’s vast experience and proven track record of delivery make her the ideal person to take on the responsibility of moving forward our plans to continue to deliver a great start for Bristol’s 60 000 children, ensure we continue to build new schools and grow school places, play a key role in supporting families with additional needs and providing safe and supportive homes for vulnerable children across Bristol.”

King said that it is “an honour to join the leadership team and have the opportunity to take part in the excellent work being delivered by the mayor and cabinet colleagues”.

She said: This new role is very much about collaboration and working together across sectors and organisations to ensure communities continue to grow in a safe, healthy and sustainable way.

“I look forward to facing the challenges ahead and being part of a successful future for Bristol.”

Craig added: “It’s a pleasure to see Ellie join the cabinet and take on this role of championing communities and our public health systems.

“I remain grateful for the support, advice and challenge provided by the many community groups and partnerships I’ve worked with over the past few years.

“I feel confident that I leave this position in safe hands and can turn my attention fully onto the task of building a Bristol where children and families can flourish.

“I recognise the challenges we face but also the opportunities that have been created by my predecessors in the role.”

Helen Holland, cabinet member for adult social care and integrated care system, will take on the portfolio for women and women safe city, previously led by Helen Godwin.

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Bristol has been without a cabinet member for education for more than a month

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