Following my decision to join the Non-Aligned Group (NAG) in the Council, I remain a Conservative Councillor and have only relinquished the current Conservative Leadership Whip. I did so as a result of my growing concern about a number of issues which I found myself unable to support, given my undertakings at the last election. As an Elected Member my 'contract' is pre-eminently with the residents of my Ward, not with a political faction. With regard to whether I should continue as the Councillor of Mount Joy Ward, I undertook to represent my resident's views, as a Conservative Councillor, during the period of this Council's life. I will continue to do this to the best of my ability. I joined the Non-Aligned Group as it is appropriate for me to work with other Conservative Councillors and so that, in terms of proportionality, we will be able to contribute to the work of the Council through being eligible to work in Committee roles. I have been asked what I've contributed to my Ward, and to the Council as a whole, since I was elected. I've worked to have my resident's concerns addressed and I'm particularly pleased that long-term road safety issues in Whitepit Lane have been addressed. I have also been working on a Community Project, which I initiated in 2005, for Nine Acres Field to be used as a community resource. This project is now at a very exciting stage and I'm really looking forward to its making progress this year. In terms of my contribution to the Council as a whole, I've been dutiful in fulfilling my Civic role and have given my posts as a Commissioner, and subsequently Cabinet Member for Children's Services, full attention while I held those posts. There is now a greater focus on addressing difficulties faced by vulnerable children and their families. In particular, due attention is at last being given to the plight of children who are out of school and who do not receive their educational entitlement. I have worked to ensure that issues surrounding Children in Local Authority Care have a high priority and to keep Member's aware of their role as Corporate Parents. As I'm now a member of the Non-Aligned Group, any comments I make in respect of the Council and policy issues will, in future, be made with and on behalf of the Group. I hope this is helpful
