New Hartlepool Borough Council leader Brenda Harrison aims to make town 'an even better place to live, work and visit'

Labour’s councillor Brenda Harrison was elected to the top political role at the local authority’s annual meeting on Tuesday, May 21, where a number of key committee chair appointments were also confirmed.

This follows May’s local elections which saw Labour claim nine of the 12 seats on offer, leaving them with an overall majority of 24 of the 36 seats on the authority.

There was no dissent to any of the appointments from councillors in attendance.

Cllr Harrison, speaking after the meeting, said: “This is the start of a new era, and each and every one of us within the Labour group on the council is determined to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people of Hartlepool.

“They have placed their trust in us and we aim to repay them by working tirelessly to make our fantastic borough an even better place to live, work and visit.”

As well as being the council’s first female leader, Cllr Harrison will also chair the finance and policy committee and the health and wellbeing board.

Labour councillor Tom Feeney was selected as the deputy leader of the council as well as being named planning committee chair.

Cllr Gary Allen was confirmed as chair of the adult and community based services committee with Cllr Rachel Creevy becoming the chair of the children’s services committee.

Meanwhile, Cllr Pamela Hargreaves became the chair of the economic growth and regeneration committee and Cllr Karen Oliver chair of the neighbourhood services committee.

Councillor Jonathan Brash, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Hartlepool, was named the chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership, which works with other organisations to help reduce crime and keep the borough safe.

This is in line with Labour’s manifesto pledge to appoint a dedicated elected member to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.

His party colleague Cllr Martin Dunbar was confirmed as chair of the licensing committee while Labour councillor Carole Thompson was named ceremonial mayor and chair of council.

Independent Union councillor and former leader Shane Moore is to chair the council’s audit and governance committee, which promotes internal governance and scrutiny.