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At this appointments meeting on 19 May 2026, Newport City Council appointed its Presiding Member, Deputy Presiding Member, Leader and Cabinet, and the chairs and members of its committees and outside bodies. It also agreed school governing body appointments, began the process to recruit three lay members to the Standards Committee, and swore in Councillor Deb Harvey as Mayor.
Councillors Evans, M Pimm, Fouweather, Stowell-Corten, Mayer, M Howells, B Perkins, C Baker-Westhead and Whitehead. No declarations of interest were made at this time. The Presiding Member asked Council to observe a minute’s silence for former Councillor and Mayor, William John Jenkins.
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on 24 February 2026 were accepted as a true record. These were moved by Councillor Batrouni and seconded by Councillor Clarke.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council appointed Councillor Cockeram as the Presiding Member. The Presiding Member returned to the Council Chambers to continue with the proceedings.
The incumbent Presiding Member declared an interest and left the Council Chambers. The Monitoring Officer invited nominations for the Presiding Member for 2026/27. Councillor Batrouni nominated Councillor Paul Cockeram to continue the role of Presiding Member, with no further nominations put forward. This was seconded by Councillor Clarke. Resolved: That Council appointed Councillor Cockeram as the Presiding Member. The Presiding Member returned to the Council Chambers to continue with the proceedings.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council appointed Councillor Screen as the Deputy Presiding Member.
The Presiding Member invited nominations for the Deputy Presiding Member for 2026/27. Councillor Batrouni nominated Councillor Screen, with no further nominations. This was seconded by Councillor Clarke. Resolved: That Council appointed Councillor Screen as the Deputy Presiding Member.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Councillor Dimitri Batrouni be appointed as Leader of the Council. The Leader announced his appointment of Cabinet Members, as follows (full portfolio details in Appendix 1): Cabinet Member Appointed Leader Councillor Dimitri Batrouni Deputy Leader / Education and Early Years Councillor Deb Davies Social Services Councillor Laura Lacey Regeneration and Business Growth Councillor James Clarke Housing and Planning Councillor Saeed Adan Communications and Culture Councillor Emma Stowell-Corten Climate Change, Waste and Recycling Councillor Yvonne Forsey Assets and Infrastructure Councillor Rhian Howells Communities and Sport Councillors Jason Hughes and Mark Spencer Business Manager – Councillor Mark Spencer Group Chief Whip – Councillor Beverly Perkins Councillor Routley, standing in for the Leader of the Opposition group then announced the Shadow appointments. Opposition Spokespersons – Conservative Group: Opposition Cabinet Member Appointed Leader / Regeneration and Democratic Services Councillor Matthew Evans Deputy Leader / Housing and Planning Councillor William Routley Business Manager / Communications and Culture Councillor Ray Mogford Chief Whip / Education and Early Years Councillor David Fouweather Assets and Infrastructure Councillor William Routley Social Services Councillor Martyn Kellaway Climate Change, Waste and Recycling Councillor John Jones Communities and Sport Councillor TBC
The Presiding Member invited a member from the majority party to move the appointment of Leader of the Council. Councillor Clarke nominated Councillor Dimitri Batrouni. This was seconded by Councillor Lacey. Resolved: That Councillor Dimitri Batrouni be appointed as Leader of the Council. The Leader announced his appointment of Cabinet Members, as follows (full portfolio details in Appendix 1): Cabinet Member Appointed Leader Councillor Dimitri Batrouni Deputy Leader / Education and Early Years Councillor Deb Davies Social Services Councillor Laura Lacey Regeneration and Business Growth Councillor James Clarke Housing and Planning Councillor Saeed Adan Communications and Culture Councillor Emma Stowell-Corten Climate Change, Waste and Recycling Councillor Yvonne Forsey Assets and Infrastructure Councillor Rhian Howells Communities and Sport Councillors Jason Hughes and Mark Spencer Business Manager – Councillor Mark Spencer Group Chief Whip – Councillor Beverly Perkins Councillor Routley, standing in for the Leader of the Opposition group then announced the Shadow appointments. Opposition Spokespersons – Conservative Group: Opposition Cabinet Member Appointed Leader / Regeneration and Democratic Services Councillor Matthew Evans Deputy Leader / Housing and Planning Councillor William Routley Business Manager / Communications and Culture Councillor Ray Mogford Chief Whip / Education and Early Years Councillor David Fouweather Assets and Infrastructure Councillor William Routley Social Services Councillor Martyn Kellaway Climate Change, Waste and Recycling Councillor John Jones Communities and Sport Councillor TBC
Decision as recorded
Resolved that the following Committee Chair appointments be agreed by Council: Chair of Committee Appointed Planning Committee Councillor John Reynolds Licensing Committee Councillor Farzina Hussain Democratic Services Committee Councillor Ray Mogford Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Councillor Phil Hourahine Performance Scrutiny Committee – Partnerships Councillor Stephen Marshall Performance Scrutiny Committee – People Councillor William Routley Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate Councillor Mark Howells
Following nominations by the Leaders of their respective parties, and the nominations having been duly seconded, it was Resolved that the following Committee Chair appointments be agreed by Council: Chair of Committee Appointed Planning Committee Councillor John Reynolds Licensing Committee Councillor Farzina Hussain Democratic Services Committee Councillor Ray Mogford Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Councillor Phil Hourahine Performance Scrutiny Committee – Partnerships Councillor Stephen Marshall Performance Scrutiny Committee – People Councillor William Routley Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate Councillor Mark Howells
The Council gave effect to appointments to Committees by the political groups. Each Group Leader agreed to pass the appointments of members to the Committee to the Proper Officer for recording in the Minutes. The following allocation of Committee seats was confirmed: Planning Committee Labour (Chair) John Reynolds Labour Tim Harvey Labour Gavin Horton Labour (Vice Chair) Malcolm Linton Labour Bev Perkins Labour Matthew Pimm Labour Trevor Watkins Conservative John Jones Conservative William Routley Newport Independent Party Jason Jordan Lliswerry Independents Mark Howells Licensing Committee Labour (Chair) Farzina Hussain Labour Steve Cocks Labour Pat Drewett Labour Deb Harvey Labour John Harris Labour Alex Pimm Labour Allan Screen Conservative David Fouweather Conservative Martin Kellaway Newport Independent Party Janet Cleverly Lliswerry Independents Allan Morris Governance Audit Committee Labour Gavin Horton Labour Bev Perkins Labour John Reynolds Conservative Ray Mogford Newport Independent Party Jason Jordan Lliswerry Independents Mark Howells Lay Members* Gareth Chapman Don Reed Dr Norma Barry * Chair to appointed by the Committee Democratic Services Committee Conservative (Chair) Ray Mogford Labour Steve Cocks Labour John Harris Labour Tim Harvey Labour Phil Hourahine Labour Bev Perkins Labour Kate Thomas Labour Trevor Watkins Lliswerry Independents Andrew Sterry Independent Members **Declined Scrutiny Committees: Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Labour (Chair) Phil Hourahine Labour Steve Cocks Labour Bev Davies Labour John Harris Labour Debbie Jenkins Labour Malcolm Linton Labour John Reynolds Conservative Matthew Evans Lliswerry Independents **Declined Green Party Lauren James Performance Scrutiny Committee – Partnerships Labour (Chair) Stephen Marshall Labour Paul Bright Labour Steve Cocks Labour Pat Drewett Labour Farzina Hussain Labour Bev Davies Labour Allan Screen Conservative John Jones Newport Independent Party Kevin Whitehead Lliswerry Independents James Peterson Performance Scrutiny Committee – People Conservative (Chair) William Routley Labour Vacancy Labour Matthew Pimm Labour Deb Harvey Labour Debbie Jenkins Labour Stephen Marshall Labour John Reynolds Labour Trevor Watkins Newport Independent Party Janet Cleverly Welsh Liberal Democrats Carmel Townsend Performance Scrutiny Committee – Place and Corporate Lliswerry Independent Group (Chair) Mark Howells Labour Paul Bright Labour Gavin Horton Labour Malcolm Linton Labour Bev Perkins Labour Alex Pimm Labour Matthew Pimm Labour Allan Screen Conservative Ray Mogford Newport Independent Party Janet Cleverly Standards Committee Labour Paul Cockeram Labour Deb Harvey Conservative William Routley Co-opted Members Andrew Mitchell (Chair) John Davies (CC Rep) Richard Morgan Vicky Smith Dr Paul Worthington SACRE: The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education Chair Deborah Davies Labour appointment Saeed Adan Labour appointment Pat Drewett Labour appointment Farzina Hussain Conservative appointment David Fouweather Greater Gwent Cremation Joint Committee Labour appointment Yvonne Forsey Labour appointment Rhian Howells Appointments Committee – Strategic Director Labour Dimitri Batrouni Labour Deb Davies Labour James Clarke Labour Pat Drewett Conservative Matthew Evans Newport Independents Janet Cleverly Lliswerry Independent Group Mark Howells Community Parenting Forum Labour Laura Lacey (Chair) Labour John Reynolds Labour Tim Harvey Labour Allan Screen Labour Paul Bright Labour Jason Hughes Labour Bev Davies Conservative TBC Newport Independent Party Janet Cleverly Lliswerry Independent Group Allan Morris ** For those committee memberships declined by the Lliswerry Independent group, these have been offered to the Welsh Liberal Democrats and the Green Party. Members to be appointed to be used in rotation: Councillor Deb Davies Councillor Mark Spencer Councillor Kate Thomas Councillor Bev Davies Councillor Gavin Horton Councillor Bev Perkins Councillor Alex Pimm Councillor David Fouweather Councillor William Routley Councillor James Clarke All other Members by invitation of Chair on an ad hoc basis. 1. Welsh Language Champion: Councillor John Harris 2. Disabled and Vulnerable Persons Champion: Councillor Debbie Jenkins 3. Elite Sport Champion: Councillor Gavin Horton 4. Armed Forces and Veterans Champion: Councillor Mark Spencer 5. LGBT Champion: Councillor John Reynolds 6. Care Leavers Champion: Councillor Phil Hourahine 7. Older Persons Champion: Councillor Trevor Watkins 8. Minority Ethnic Champion: Councillor Farzina Hussain 9. Carers Champion: Councillor Paul Cockeram
The Council gave effect to appointments of members to external bodies. Each Group Leaders agreed to pass the appointments to Outside Bodies and members with Special Responsibilities to the Proper Officer for recording in the Minutes, as outlined in Appendix 2 below.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments / Resignations / Disqualifications Name St Andrews Primary School Reappointment Roger Jeavons Newport Nursery Reappointment Cllr Paul Bright St Julians Primary School Reappointment Elaine Bryant Bassaleg School Reappointment Cllr John Harris Bridge Achievement Centre Reappointment Cllr Stephen Marshal Caerleon Comprehensive Reappointment Cllr Steve Cocks Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School Reappointment Cllr Steve Cocks Crindau Primary School Reappointment Cllr Lauren James Lliswerry High School Reappointment Cllr Mark Howells Marshfield Primary School Reappointment Cllr Mark Howells Marshfield Primary School Reappointment Cllr Allan Screen Newport High School Reappointment Cllr Lauren James Rogerstone Primary School Reappointment Cllr Bev Davies St Andrews Primary School Reappointment Cllr James Peterson St Andrews Primary School Appointment Kevin Howells St Patricks RC Primary School Reappointment Cllr Alex Pimm St Woolos Primary School Reappointment Cllr Pat Drewett The Gaer and Maesglas Primary School Partnership Reappointment Cllr Dimitri Batrouni Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd Reappointment Cllr Malcolm Linton Alway Primary School Appointment Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten Pentrepoeth Primary School Appointment Dan Coles Malpas Court Primary School Appointment Laura Lane
Councillor Spencer moved the appointments set out in the report with changes to High Cross Primary School and Mount Pleasant Primary School, which arose since the report was written, and as agreed by the Business Managers. Councillor Mogford seconded the proposal including the verbal additions. Resolved: That the following appointments be agreed. Governing Body Appointments Governing Body Appointments / Resignations / Disqualifications Name St Andrews Primary School Reappointment Roger Jeavons Newport Nursery Reappointment Cllr Paul Bright St Julians Primary School Reappointment Elaine Bryant Bassaleg School Reappointment Cllr John Harris Bridge Achievement Centre Reappointment Cllr Stephen Marshal Caerleon Comprehensive Reappointment Cllr Steve Cocks Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School Reappointment Cllr Steve Cocks Crindau Primary School Reappointment Cllr Lauren James Lliswerry High School Reappointment Cllr Mark Howells Marshfield Primary School Reappointment Cllr Mark Howells Marshfield Primary School Reappointment Cllr Allan Screen Newport High School Reappointment Cllr Lauren James Rogerstone Primary School Reappointment Cllr Bev Davies St Andrews Primary School Reappointment Cllr James Peterson St Andrews Primary School Appointment Kevin Howells St Patricks RC Primary School Reappointment Cllr Alex Pimm St Woolos Primary School Reappointment Cllr Pat Drewett The Gaer and Maesglas Primary School Partnership Reappointment Cllr Dimitri Batrouni Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd Reappointment Cllr Malcolm Linton Alway Primary School Appointment Cllr Emma Stowell-Corten Pentrepoeth Primary School Appointment Dan Coles Malpas Court Primary School Appointment Laura Lane
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That Council – 1. Authorised and directed the Head of Democratic Services, in consultation with the Head of Law and Standards, to appoint a selection panel constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Standards Committees (Wales) Regulations 2001; 2. Directed the selection panel appointed in accordance with 1. above to shortlist and interview candidates for membership of the Standards Committee and thereafter to make a recommendation to Full Council as to who should be appointed; 3. Authorised the Head of Democratic Services to take all such other steps as may be necessary to enable the recruitment process to be conducted, including the preparation and publication of advertisements and the calling of meetings of the selection panel, as necessary.
Councillor Clarke presented the report, which sought approval for the initiation and implementation of the statutory process for recruiting three independent lay member positions on the Standards Committee which would become available for 2026-27. The report was seconded by Councillor Batrouni. Resolved: That Council – 1. Authorised and directed the Head of Democratic Services, in consultation with the Head of Law and Standards, to appoint a selection panel constituted in accordance with the provisions of the Standards Committees (Wales) Regulations 2001; 2. Directed the selection panel appointed in accordance with 1. above to shortlist and interview candidates for membership of the Standards Committee and thereafter to make a recommendation to Full Council as to who should be appointed; 3. Authorised the Head of Democratic Services to take all such other steps as may be necessary to enable the recruitment process to be conducted, including the preparation and publication of advertisements and the calling of meetings of the selection panel, as necessary.
The meeting was adjourned at 16:14 to enable the Council Chamber to be prepared for the Inauguration of the Mayor.
The meeting resumed at 16:35 and the Mayor Elect, Councillor Deb Harvey was sworn in as the new Mayor of Newport for the year 2026 to 2027.
The Presiding Member called upon the Mayor to announce her Deputy Mayor. The Mayor was pleased to advise Council that Councillor Deborah Jenkins would actas Deputy Mayor for the ensuing year.
Board / Representative Party Aneurin Bevan University Health Board – Engagement Groups Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Kate Thomas Welsh Labour Books Council of Wales Emma Stowell-Corten Welsh Labour IDD (Internal Drainage District) for Caldicot, Wentlooge and the Lower Wye Yvonne Forsey Welsh Labour Phil Hourahine Welsh Labour Steve Cocks Welsh Labour Rhian Howells Welsh Labour Trevor Watkins Welsh Labour Allan Screen Welsh Labour Ray Mogford Welsh Conservative Mark Howells Lliswerry Independents Allan Morris Lliswerry Independents Andrew Sterry Lliswerry Independents James Peterson Lliswerry Independents Charitable Trusts Panel Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Kate Thomas Welsh Labour Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Paul Cockeram Welsh Labour William Routley Welsh Conservative Compound Semi Conductor (CSC) The Foundry (CCRC)** Deb Davies Welsh Labour Consortium of Local Authorities in Wales Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour Smart Money Cymru Pat Drewett Welsh Labour EAS – Company Board Laura Lacey Welsh Labour Debbie Jenkins (reserve) Welsh Labour EAS – Audit and Risk Assurance Committee Claire Baker-Westhead Welsh Labour Phil Hourahine Welsh Labour EAS Commissioning Group Deb Davies Welsh Labour Paul Bright (reserve) Welsh Labour Fairness Commission Steve Cocks Welsh Labour Bev Davies Welsh Labour Food Waste Treatment Partnership Laura Lacey Welsh Labour Yvonne Forsey Welsh Labour Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge Committee Emma Stowell-Corten Welsh Labour Greater Gwent Archives Joint Committee Steve Cocks Welsh Labour Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Growing Space Trevor Watkins Welsh Labour Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations Local Committee Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Gwent Police and Crime Panel Farzina Hussain Welsh Labour Debbie Jenkins Welsh Labour James Peterson Lliswerry Independents Gwent Public Services Board Scrutiny Committee Deb Harvey Welsh Labour Farzina Hussain Welsh Labour Indoor Bowling Association Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Jerome Gatehouse Collection Trust Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Joint Council for Wales Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour Deb Davies Welsh Labour Living Levels Board Rhian Howells Welsh Labour Yvonne Forsey Welsh Labour South Wales Port Welfare Committee, Merchant Navy Welfare Board Matthew Pimm Welsh Labour Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Joint Steering Group Paul Bright Welsh Labour Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Phil Hourahine Welsh Labour National Adoption Service and Foster Wales Joint Committee Laura Lacey Welsh Labour Deb Harvey Welsh Labour NCC Commercial Services Limited (regarding Cyson Cymru LATCO) Deb Davies Welsh Labour Newport Harbour Commission Trevor Watkins Welsh Labour Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Newport Live Board Deb Davies Welsh Labour James Clarke Welsh Labour Newport Now BID Board James Clarke Welsh Labour Newport Transport Board Malcolm Linton Welsh Labour James Clarke Welsh Labour Bev Davies Welsh Labour Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Kate Thomas Welsh Labour Norse Joint Partnership Board Deb Davies Welsh Labour PATROL (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London) Rhian Howells Welsh Labour Pill Mill Centre Trust Saeed Adan Welsh Labour Prosiect Gwyrdd Joint Committee Yvonne Forsey Welsh Labour Rhian Howells Welsh Labour Public Services Board Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour Beverly Owen Raven House Trust Bev Perkins Welsh Labour Reserve Forces and Cadet Association David Fouweather Welsh Conservative Roger Williams and Queen Victoria Alms Houses Pat Drewett Welsh Labour Shared Resource Service Strategic Board Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour Deb Davies (Deputy) Welsh Labour South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee Regional Transport Board Rhian Howells Welsh Labour South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee Strategic Development Plan James Clarke Welsh Labour South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee Governance and Audit Board Phil Hourahine Welsh Labour South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee Scrutiny Trevor Watkins Welsh Labour South Wales Fire and Rescue Authority Rhian Howells Welsh Labour Wastesavers Limited Matthew Pimm Welsh Labour Bev Davies Welsh Labour Malcolm Linton Welsh Labour Paul Bright Welsh Labour Welsh Local Government Association Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour Mark Spencer Welsh Labour Deb Davies Welsh Labour Steve Cocks Welsh Labour Charles Williams Charity Steve Cocks Welsh Labour Jason Hughes Welsh Labour TBC Welsh Labour WLGA Co-ordinating Committee Dimitri Batrouni Welsh Labour
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