Political Structure

The Council has adopted the strengthened Leader model of governance. Under this model the Council’s executive functions are discharged by the Cabinet as a collective body or are delegated to officers.

The Leader of the Council is elected every four years through the Assembly and in turn he/she appoints up to 9 members to make up the Cabinet, one or more will be appointed as Deputy Leader. Each cabinet member is allocated a specific area of responsibility known as a Portfolio.  

These governance arrangements differ from the Elected Mayor model where all executive functions are discharged by one person, the Elected Mayor.

The Council annually elects a Ceremonial Mayor who is the Borough’s first citizen. He/she performs civic duties and supports organisations and charities. This is a non-political role.