A new councillor is to spearhead the regeneration of Huddersfield town centre as Kirklees Council unveiled its new-look Cabinet.

Clr Graham Turner returned to Kirklees Council at the local elections on May 5, a year after losing his seat. At the elections Labour secured an overall majority, strengthening its grip on the council.

Labour councillor Turner lost his Denby Dale seat in 2021 but secured a return when he won Golcar by just 49 votes.

Clr Turner, who was previously in charge of finances as Cabinet member for corporate, has made an immediate return to the Cabinet and has been put in charge of the key regeneration portfolio.

Public consultation is currently underway into the £210 million Cultural Heart project which will transform the town centre.

READ MORE: Have your say on the Cultural Heart HERE

The Cabinet has nine portfolio holders and only one has been changed since the election. The regeneration portfolio became vacant as long-serving councillor Peter McBride retired from the council at the last election.

Council leader Clr Shabir Pandor said: “I’m really pleased to confirm our leadership team for the coming year. We have some major challenges and opportunities in front of us so we need a team with ideas and experience. That’s exactly what this Cabinet gives us.

“Every single one of our nine portfolios makes a difference to people’s lives in Kirklees. Whether it’s transforming our town centres, keeping communities safe or supporting children and families, this is a Cabinet that’s got the skills and the passion to deliver for local people.”

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Who’s who on the Cabinet

Clr Shabir Pandor (Batley West) – leader of the council. Clr Pandor has overall responsibility for the council’s vision, direction and strategy.

Clr Cathy Scott (Dewsbury East) – deputy leader and Cabinet member for housing and democracy. Clr Scott has responsibility for the council’s Homes & Neighbourhoods service as well as making sure the council is responsive to local communities across Kirklees.

Clr Paul Davies – (Holme Valley North) corporate services. Clr Davies oversees the council’s finances and also leads the council’s central services such as IT, performance and welfare. The portfolio also covers helping residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

Clr Eric Firth (Dewsbury East) – town centres. Clr Firth is responsible for making sure the district’s towns, villages and markets are safe, clean and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.

Clr Viv Kendrick (Heckmondwike) – children (statutory responsibility for children). Clr Kendrick is responsible for vital services to safeguard children and support local families to thrive.

Clr Musarrat Khan (Dalton) – health and social care. Clr Khan works with NHS partners on health issues and helps Kirklees people to live well and independently.

Clr Naheed Mather (Dalton) – environment. Clr Mather is responsible for services that maintain and improve local roads, parks and green spaces and tackles environmental crime.

Clr Carole Pattison (Greenhead) – learning, aspiration and communities. Clr Pattison’s portfolio helps residents to achieve their potential through education, training and skills as well as promoting safer communities.

Clr Will Simpson (Denby Dale) – culture and greener Kirklees. Clr Simpson is responsible for celebrating Kirklees’ arts, culture and heritage. He also leads work on sustainability and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Clr Graham Turner (Golcar) – regeneration. Clr Turner will work with local businesses and develop the council’s economy. His role includes town centre transformation, planning and transport infrastructure.