Karen Buckley confirmed as new leader of Fylde Council

Coun Karen Buckley has been officially appointed leader of Fylde Council.
Coun Karen BuckleyCoun Karen Buckley
Coun Karen Buckley

She had previously been acting leader since Coun Sue Fazackerley announced she was stepping down from the role in April after six years.

At a meeting of the full council on Monday, Coun Buckley’s appointment was confirmed, while Coun Roger Small became deputy leader.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Several new committee chairmanships and deputy chairmanships were also announced, while it was confirmed that Coun Angela Jacques continues in office as Fylde mayor until the annual meeting due to be held in May 2021.

Legislation and the council’s constitution normally require the election of a mayor to take place at the Council’s annual meeting but Government regulations in response to coronavirus allowed the cancellation of the annual meeting and automatically extended the term of office of the existing mayor for a further year.

Coun Buckley has been a councillor since 2007, representing St Leonard’s ward in St Annes, and became chairman of the finance and democracy committee when the committee system was formed in 2015.

She had previously been portfolio holder for partnerships and community engagement and then portfolio holder for finance and resources from 2011.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Buckley said: “I would like to thank Coun Fazackerley for her steadfast commitment and dedication to Fylde, particularly during her last six years as leader.

“I look forward to steering the council through the challenging times ahead post Covid-19 and will welcome her wise counsel as she continues to represent Central ward.”

Coun Small was first elected in 1999, and after a brief spell off the council from 2011 returned in 2015, representing Kilnhouse, St Annes.

He has been chairman of the operational management committee since 2018, having previously been vice chairman of the finance and democracy committee from 2015.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Thomas Threlfall has become chairman of environment health and housing, with Coun Jayne Nixon vice-chairman; Coun Shirley Green is to chair the licencing and public protection committees, with Coun Gavin Harrison vice chairman, while Coun Ellie Gaunt, Coun John Kirkham and Coun Michael Sayward have respectively become vice-chairmen of audit and standards, operational management and tourism and leisure.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.