Leader and cabinet

• What is the Cabinet
• Cabinet members
• Decision making
• Contact the Cabinet

What is the Cabinet?

Cabinet is the part of the Council that is responsible for most strategic decisions.

It comprises the leader of the council, deputy leader, eight councillors with portfolio responsibilities, and three councillors who are assistant members. 

Decisions are either made by Cabinet, a committee of the Cabinet, individual members of the Cabinet or officers under powers delegated by Cabinet.

Cabinet members

Leader of the council - Cllr Nick Forbes

Deputy leader of the council - Cllr Karen Kilgour

Portfolio holders

• Climate change and public safety - Cllr Clare Penny-Evans
• Community services and public engagement - Cllr Irim Ali
• Development, neighbourhoods and transport - Cllr Ged Bell
• Education and skills - Cllr Paula Holland
• Housing and regulatory services - Cllr Linda Hobson
• Inclusive economy - Cllr Joyce McCarty
• Policy co-ordination and communications - Cllr Stella Postlethwaite
• Public health and culture - Cllr John-Paul Stephenson

Assistant Cabinet members

• Cllr Charlie Gray
• Cllr Alex Hay
• Cllr Stephen Lambert

Decision making

When major decisions are to be discussed or made, these are published in the Cabinet's forward plan (28 Day Notice). 

Cabinet has to make decisions, which are in line with the Council's overall policies and budget. 

If it wishes to make a decision, which is outside the budget or policy framework, this must be referred to the Council as a whole to decide.

Cabinet meetings are open to the public, except where personal or confidential matters are being discussed.

Contact the Cabinet

To get in touch with the Leader or Deputy Leader of the Council please contact Gemma Finney, by calling 0191 211 5151 or emailing gemma.finney@newcastle.gov.uk.

For Cllrs Bell, McCarty, Penny-Evans and Hobson please contact Phil Mann on 0191 277 7101 or philip.mann@newcastle.gov.uk  

Or for Cllrs Holland, Postlethwaite, Stephenson and Ali please contact Judith Mulqueen on 0191 211 5154 or email: judith.mulqueen@newcastle.gov.uk