New Mayor and committee chairs 2018/19

Council roles for 2018/19 were confirmed at the Annual General Meeting last night (Thursday 17 May). All posts come into effect from today (Friday 18 May).

Mayor of Brighton & Hove

Cllr Dee Simson was elected as the Mayor of Brighton & Hove for the year ahead. Cllr Simson was first elected as a councillor in 1999 and represents Woodingdean. 

Cllr Simson is keen to hear from residents, charities, organisations and businesses about activities across the city. Find out more about the Mayor’s role and how to invite her to an event. The mayor’s four chosen charities this year are The Martlets Hospice, Rockinghorse, Off the Fence and Grace Eyre Foundation

Cllr Simson said: “I am immensely privileged and honoured to be chosen to represent the people of Brighton & Hove. This is the city I love. I’ve dedicated my life to public service here.

"I was born and bred in Woodingdean where I’m now seeing my children and grandchildren grow up too.

"I look forward to celebrating the many achievements, great and small, happening all year round in this amazing city as I proudly and humbly take on this highest civic office as Mayor for Brighton & Hove.”

Cllr Alex Phillips was appointed as Deputy Mayor for Brighton & Hove for 2018/19.

The political leaders were confirmed

Cllr Dan Yates, new leader of the council, said: “I’ll be leading our experienced team to improve services, support our community and see change delivered to make our city a better place to live and work. This is the time to build on the good work already underway and to move forward positively for the future.

“We’re all aware of the huge financial challenges the city faces due to cuts in funding from central government but we also have opportunities. We’ll be open about the decisions we need to make. We will involve people with change, work closely with partners and listen to residents.”


Leader of the council and leader of the Labour & Co-operative Group
Cllr Dan Yates

Deputy leader of the council 
Cllr Gill Mitchell

Deputy leaders of  Labour & Co-operative Group
Cllr Gill Mitchell and Cllr Les Hamilton

Leader of the official opposition and leader of the Conservative Group
Cllr Tony Janio

Deputy leaders of the Conservative Group
Cllr Steve Bell and Cllr Lee Wares

Convenor of the Green Group
Cllr Phelim Mac Cafferty

Deputy convenors of the Green Group
Cllr Louisa Greenbaum and (jobshare) Cllr Leo Littman and Cllr Amanda Knight

Chair and deputy chairs of committees for 2018/19

Policy Resource & Growth
Chair Cllr Daniel Yates
Deputy Chair Cllr Les Hamilton

Children, Young People & Skills
Chair Cllr Daniel Chapman
Deputy Cllr Chair Caroline Penn

Tourism, Development & Culture
Chair Cllr Alan Robins
Deputy Chair Cllr Nancy Platts

Environment, Transport & Sustainability
Chair Cllr Gill Mitchell
Deputy Chair Cllr Saoirse Horan

Health & Wellbeing Board
Chair Cllr Karen Barford
Deputy Chair Cllr Clare Moonan

Housing & New Homes
Chair Cllr Anne Meadows
Deputy Chair Cllr Tracey Hill

Neighbourhoods, Inclusion, Communities & Equalities
Chair Cllr Emma Daniel
Deputy Chair Cllr Mo Marsh

Planning
Chair Cllr Julie Cattell
Deputy Chair Cllr Penny Gilbey

Licensing
Chair Cllr Jackie O’Quinn
Deputy Chair Cllr Adrian Morris

Lead members for 2018/19

Lead Member for Tourism
Cllr Alan Robins

Lead Member for Mental Health
Cllr Caroline Penn

Lead Member for Economic Development and Social Value
Cllr Nancy Platts

Lead Member for Sustainability
Cllr Saoirse Horan

Lead Member for Adult Social Care
Cllr Clare Moonan

Lead Member for Rough Sleeping
Cllr Clare Moonan

Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing
Cllr Karen Barford

Lead Member for Private Rented Sector
Cllr Tracey Hill

Lead Member for Community Safety
Cllr Mo Marsh

Lead Member for Planning Policy
Cllr Julie Cattell