The Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, has taken a temporary leave of absence due to ill health. Effective immediately, Deputy Leader Cllr Karen Kilgour will assume the leader’s responsibilities during his absence.
Cllr Kilgour emphasised her commitment to working with both elected members and council officers to “ensure there is continuity”.
She said:
“As a Cabinet our priority will always be the residents of Newcastle. They are at the heart of everything we do and any decision we take.”
“I will be working with elected members and council officers to ensure there is continuity in our planning so we can continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.
“This is such an exciting time for Newcastle with investment in the city and opportunity for those people who call it home. It is very much business as usual.
“I have always served my communities with pride, whether that be as a councillor in West Fenham, in my position as a Cabinet member or as deputy leader.”
Since 2014, Cllr Kilgour has represented West Fenham as a councillor. In her role as Deputy Leader, she has collaborated with the Leader to provide political and strategic leadership across all areas of council delivery.
Image credit: Newcastle City Council