Councillor Gerry Ryan steps down from Shadow Cabinet to fight for Parliament

Councillor Gerry Ryan has stepped down from his position as Croydon Labour Group Deputy Leader so that he can focus all his energies on the campaign to win the Croydon Central Parliamentary election.

Gerry said:

“It is now clear Croydon Tories are split from top to bottom with half of their members backing the existing MP Andrew Pelling and the others backing Councillor Barwell who wants to replace him. We are now in a close three horse race, a race I am committed to win for Labour, by continuing to oppose the extra Tory charges and their savage cuts to Council services, many of which have been directly overseen by Councillor Barwell. An example is the recent hike in charges for community groups that depend on local schools to host their activities.”

NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

As a result of Gerry Ryan’s decision to focus on his parliamentary campaign, Croydon Labour Group has elected a new Deputy Leader, Bensham Manor Councillor Alison Butler; Alison joins Stuart Collins and Tony Newman Labour Group Leader to complete the team that will lead the Party into the 2010 local elections.

Alison said:

“I am delighted to be joining the leadership team that has the task of exposing the many failings of the current Conservative Council and leading us to victory in 2010”

Tony Newman Labour Leader said:

“I am really pleased to welcome such a talented and committed Councillor as Alison to the Leadership team and also Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed to the Shadow Cabinet, I have asked Manju to take on the Schools portfolio and it is a tribute to her qualities that in stepping up to this position as one of Croydon’s youngest Front Bench Councillors she has the confidence of so many people in taking on such a crucial task.”

SHADOW CABINET 2009-2010 

Tony Newman- Leader

Stuart Collins Deputy Leader-Crime and public protection

Alison Butler Deputy Leader-Streets and Environment

Manju Shahul Hameed-Schools and Young People

Louisa Woodley-Culture and Sport

George Ayres-Planning and Regeneration

Toni Letts - Economic Development

Jane Avis - Housing

Maggie Mansell - Adult Services

Mike Selva - Equalities & Communities