Council leader Pete Marland has added two new members to the Cabinet in Milton Keynes helping to strengthen Labour’s approach to business and the community.

Councillor Liz Gifford has been given the community services portfolio, putting her in charge of the city’s libraries, children’s centres and community centres. She will also be responsible for the Community and Cultural Services Review, in which the council is planning to overhaul services such as libraries in a more efficient way, either by sharing premises, working with community groups, or establishing social enterprises.

Councillor Matt Clifton has been handed the business growth and inward investment portfolio, and is tasked with the delivery of well-paid jobs in Milton Keynes. The role will mean working with local businesses on developing the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in Milton Keynes, as well as working to secure and retain larger employers in the town.

Matt will be looking at how MK Council can work better with businesses on improving skills in the area and how to work with partners to improve important issues, such as parking and public transport, to benefit the economy.

The reshuffle takes place as Councillor Sarah Betteley has recently started maternity leave.

Council leader Pete Marland said: “Our focus remains on delivering an ambitious agenda for Milton Keynes even despite having to make large savings in this year’s budget proposals and beyond.

“Liz Gifford and Matt Clifton bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of their portfolios to our team from outside the local authority world, adding to the balance we have already in the cabinet of council experience and fresh ideas.

“I’m very clear that as an administration and council we can’t face the huge financial challenges properly by using the same old tired ideas. The world has changed, the council needs to reflect that.”

You can read more about Labour’s Cabinet on Milton Keynes Council by clicking here.