Local Government
Jonathan Brook
The speaker on 9th March was Leader of Westmorland & Furness Council, Cllr Jonathon Brook who has been a councillor since 2006, has served on the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Tourism, is a former Mayor of Kendal, magistrate and foster carer and worked at Provincial Insurance then AXA before becoming CEO of the Manna House charity.
He gave an overview of the local government reorganisation: the transition is complete and the focus now is on transformation. Jonathon spoke in favour of there being an elected Mayor for Cumbria, noting that power will increase with time, with a local voice on the Great North group - a Council of Regions and Nations.
Jonathon gave several examples of the work of both W&F and Cumberland Councils and how they are also working together under a Cumbrian banner and answered some challenging questions from the floor around planning and local infrastructure.
