One of the top people at York’s council is stepping down from his post.
City of York Council is set to get a new deputy leader as Cllr Bob Webb, the authority’s current Labour children’s spokesperson, has been elected deputy leader of the ruling group following Cllr Pete Kilbane’s decision to leave the post.
Cllr Webb said he was looking forward to taking on the important role as the next local elections approach in May 2027.
Cllr Kilbane, who will stay in the council’s executive as its economy and culture spokesperson, said he would use any freed-up time to work on projects outside the authority.
It comes as Cllr Webb is set to formally take office as the council’s deputy leader at its annual general meeting on Thursday, 21 May.
The new group deputy leader Cllr Webb has represented Heworth ward since 2019.
He has overseen the rollout of a free school lunch pilot and breakfast clubs during his time as executive member for children.
The council’s children’s services also received an Outstanding Ofsted rating in August last year under his tenure.
Cllr Webb said he had been fortunate to work on the executive since 2023.
The new deputy leader said: “I’m honoured to be chosen by my Labour colleagues to take on this hugely important role as we approach the next local elections in May 2027.
“Over the next year I will be leading on taking our message out to the city and highlighting the benefits of having a Labour council.”
Outgoing deputy leader Cllr Kilbane, of Micklegate ward, has also served on the council since 2019.
He said his party had achieved a great deal since coming to power in 2023 and the council was in better shape than previously.
Cllr Kilbane said: “The last few years have been a huge but rewarding challenge as we focused the council on delivering good services to its residents, despite shrinking budgets.
“It’s great to be able to pass on the baton with confidence.
“I will still be working hard on the council executive to deliver the Labour administration’s priorities, but will be using any freed-up time I have to work on social and economic projects outside of this role.”
Council and Labour group leader Cllr Claire Douglas said she was grateful to Cllr Kilbane for his work and she looked forward to working with Cllr Webb in the role.
Cllr Douglas said: “The hours Cllr Kilbane has given to the role and his hugely positive impact are immeasurable, I’m pleased that he’s agreed to remain part of my Executive.
“I welcome Bob to his new role and look forward to working more closely with him over the next year.
“Bob has demonstrated the leadership skills needed to succeed in this role and I have no doubt of the valuable contribution he will make to the city.”
