Home > Media > Press Releases > Philip Booth takes over Authority leadership
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29 June 2007
Pontefract councillor, Philip Booth, has been announced as the new leader of the country’s fourth largest metropolitan fire and rescue authority.
He succeeds Colne Valley Liberal Democrat councillor, Gordon Beever, as Chair of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
Councillor Booth, was elected as Chair of the politically-hung authority with the support of his Conservative colleagues and the Liberal Democrats.
He joined West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority in June 2004 and was appointed Vice-Chair last year. He takes a special interest in risk management and audit.
“I recognise that with no party or alliance being able to command a majority on the authority that this year will be extremely challenging both politically and for me personally in trying to find consensus,” said Councillor Booth.
“However, I know that all Members champion the safety of our communities and am sure that the best interests of the fire and rescue service will prevail.”
Labour has 11 seats on the 22-strong authority, with the Conservatives seven and the Liberal Democrats four.
Councillor Beever is the new Vice-Chair.
Key committee posts are as follows:
Finance and Resources
CHAIR – Cllr. Peter Harrand (Con., Leeds)
VICE-CHAIR – Cllr. John Cole (Lib. Dem., Bradford).
Personnel and Training
CHAIR - Cllr. Graham Kirkland (Lib. Dem., Leeds)
VICE-CHAIR – Roger Taylor (Con., Calderdale).
Audit
CHAIR - Cllr. Valerie Binney (Con., Bradford)
VICE-CHAIR – Cllr. David Hollingsworth (Lib. Dem., Leeds).
Councillor Mehboob Khan (Kirklees) was re-elected to lead the Labour group.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Stephen Hardy, Media and Public Relations Manager, 01274 655717.