Changes announced to WSCC Cabinet

John O’Brien takes over the portfolio of Highways and Transport

West Sussex County Council’s Leader Louise Goldsmith has today announced changes to her Cabinet.

Councillor John O’Brien, who represents East Grinstead South and Ashurst Wood, takes over the portfolio of Highways and Transport today (March 26).

John O’Brien was elected to WSCC in a by-election in May 2010. He has been deputy to the current Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Pieter Montyn, since July 2011.

During this time he has been involved in major highways projects including chairing the Better Roads Task and Finish Group that reviewed on the condition of the county council’s roads and resulted in a £35million investment in the very successful West Sussex Better Roads Programme which is now entering its second year. He has been Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel since May 2013.

Louise thanked Pieter for all he had achieved during his time as Cabinet Member, saying: “My sincere thanks go to Pieter for his exceptional service as a member of the Cabinet. I am delighted that Pieter has agreed to become my Special Adviser focusing on the A27 Campaign and improvements – a matter very important to the Council. I know he will continue to serve superbly as a constituency councillor.

“I am delighted that John will be joining the Cabinet. He has already demonstrated great aptitude and dedication in a broad range of areas within the Council, especially during his term as deputy cabinet member for highways and transport, and I know he will bring those skills to bear in his new role.”

John said: “I am looking forward to challenges that this new role will bring and to working closely with Members, officers and partners to get the best for our communities in West Sussex. I want to thank Pieter for all his help, support and guidance and wish him all the very best in his new role.”