Leader and 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.

Members of Cabinet

Councillor Nick Forbes  Leader of the council

Councillor Karen Kilgour  Deputy Leader of the council

Portfolio holders

• Councillor Ged Bell  Cabinet member for Development, Neighbourhoods and Transport 
• Councillor Paula Holland  Cabinet member for Education and Skills
• Councillor Joyce McCarty  Cabinet member for Inclusive Economy
• Councillor Stella Postlethwaite  Cabinet member for Policy Co-ordination and Communications
• Councillor Irim Ali  Cabinet member for Community Services and Public Engagement
• Councillor Clare Penny-Evans  Cabinet member for Climate Change and Public Safety
• Councillor John-Paul Stephenson  Cabinet member for Public Health and Culture
• Councillor Linda Hobson  Cabinet member for Housing and Regulatory Services
   

Assistant Cabinet members

• Councillor Charlie Gray
• Councillor Alex Hay
• Councillor 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