Working on plans for economic recovery and protecting the vulnerable following the Coronavirus lockdown will be a top priority for the new leader of an influential Cumbrian body.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Leader of South Lakeland District Council, has promised to work with colleagues from across the sectors to support the county’s renewal as it emerges from the effects of the pandemic, as he took up his new role as Chair of Cumbria’s Joint Leaders Board.
Councillor Archibald was elected as the new Chair on Friday (5 June), with Councillor John Mallinson, the Leader of Carlisle City Council, elected as Vice-Chair.
The Joint Leaders’ Board brings together the leaders of local authorities, third sector, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Police and Crime Commissioner, Lake District National Park Authority and hospital trusts in Cumbria.
Councillor Archibald commented: “I am honoured to have been appointed as Chair of this important board, which has a vital role to play as we emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown.
“I know all the leaders are keen to collaborate both on an economic recovery and on protecting the vulnerable.’’
Councillor Archibald said that he was also going to ensure that the Board look at working together around climate change and biodiversity loss issues, adding: “I am very much looking forward to working with John and the rest of the board. This is a great group of ‘can-do’ leaders.’’
Councillor Mallinson said: “I’m very pleased to have been appointed the Vice-Chair of the Joint Leaders’ Board. I look forward to working closely with the other Cumbrian councils.
“We are living and working in challenging times and I’m sure that our collaboration will help us support our local economy and communities.”
