A new cabinet support member will help steer Staffordshire County Council through the Local Government Reorganisation process and finance issues.
Rhys Machin will support each of the council’s cabinet members in their roles as Staffordshire heads towards the formation of two unitary authorities in the north and south in April 2028. He takes up the position of Cabinet Support Member for Finance & Devolution today.
Rhys, who is local member for Audley and Chesterton, said:
I’m grateful to Martin Murray and the other cabinet members for this opportunity, having served on the county council for the past 14 months.
Local Government Reorganisation is one of the biggest changes Staffordshire local government has faced in many years, and it will require considerable time and effort from officers and members alike.
There are significant challenges ahead and a great deal of work to do over the coming months. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as Cabinet Support Member for Finance & Devolution, and I’m committed to working hard, learning from experienced colleagues and officers, and doing everything I can to make a positive contribution.
Throughout that process, we will continue listening to residents and doing everything we can to ensure the transition is managed as effectively as possible for everyone.”
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s Leader, said:
I would like to welcome Rhys to the cabinet team. I know he will take on this role with enthusiasm and critically offer support to each of the cabinet members and work closely with our officers as we move forward.
We will strengthen our drive and focus, together with our district and borough colleagues and those at Stoke-on-Trent, on putting our residents first throughout the LGR process.”
Rhys is also serving on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council as member for Audley.
