THE leader of Sandwell council has carried out a reshuffle of ministers in cabinet positions, three months after being appointed its new leader.

There was speculation ahead of the reshuffle about how diverse the new Cabinet would be, particularly with women and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Who’s in what job? Here’s a guide to the people that make up Cllr Rajbir Singh’s cabinet, with the latest new faces and who’s changed places.

Up: Maria Crompton

Cllr Crompton, who represents Tividale ward and is deputy leader of Sandwell council, has been promoted to cabinet member for finance and resources, replacing her previous role as cabinet member for ‘Strong and Resilient Communities’.

Cllr Crompton will be responsible for budget and financial planning, council tax, internal and external audits, and customer service.

At the last election, Cllr Crompton held onto her Tividale seat by just 150 votes. Having weathered two council leaders during recent years at Sandwell, her new role can be considered a “thank you” to her services for the Labour party.

Up: Karen Simms

Cllr Simms, who represents Friar Park ward, has been promoted to cabinet member for children and education, replacing her previous role as cabinet member for ‘Best Start in Life’.

Cllr Simms’ remit will include navigating the controversial SEND transport scandal – where taxi contracts are under scrutiny in a £22.1m deal – and recent investment into Sandwell Children’s Trust, totalling £287,500, due to an “unforeseeable increase” in demand.

In: Iqbal Padda

Cllr Padda, who represents Greets Green and Lyng ward, has been promoted to the cabinet holding the portfolio for regeneration and growth.

His remit, similar to Cllr Millard, will be one based on major developments, regeneration, and community wealth in Sandwell.

He was first elected in May 2018, and served on the cabinet for previous Sandwell leader Yvonne Davies, having replaced the late Cllr Bob Lloyd.

In: Kerrie Carmichael

Cllr Carmichael, who represents Blackheath ward, joins Sandwell council as cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities.

Having served her ward of Blackheath for nine years, Carmichael is a seasoned activist, with registered interests with GMB Union. She is also leading member of the Mackmillan Educational Foundation. At the last election, Cllr Carmichael retained her seat by less than 400 votes against the Conservatives.

Her main roles will include the development and building of stronger communities, community cohesion, and animal welfare.

Up: Suzanne Hartwell

Cllr Hartwell, who represents Oldbury ward, has left her previous role as cabinet member for ‘Living and ageing well’ to become cabinet member for adults, social care, and health.

Cllr Hartwell was elected as the deputy mayor of Sandwell in May 2019. She served for two years before stepping down.

At the last health and social care scrutiny board, Sandwell council agreed to review mental health services in Sandwell on the back of the pandemic. Over 700 care-home related deaths to coronavirus were also recorded in the Black Country.

Cllr Hartwell said: “I am honoured to have opportunity to serve the people of Sandwell as cabinet member for adults, social care, and health.

“I look forward to listening to all members of ou community to see how together we can make Sandwell a healthier place to live.”

No change: Zahoor Ahmed

Cllr Ahmed, who represents St Paul’s ward, remains as cabinet member with a portfolio in housing. He was appointed into the cabinet as member for ‘Quality Homes and Thriving Neighbourhoods’ in May this year.

Sandwell’s housing situation remains precarious. A shortage on affordable housing combined with complaints from residents across Sandwell about HMO’s (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) means Cllr Ahmed will have a busy portfolio.

In August, Cllr Ahmed was reported to have apologised along with four other councillors for breaking coronavirus restriction rules. He attended Karahi King Village restaurant, in Acocks Green, Birmingham, on July 12, for an event organised by the Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council (OPWC).

Cllr Ahmed continues to be a director of the Smethwick Pakistani Muslims Association Ltd.

In: Bob Piper

Cllr Piper, who represents Abbey ward, has been promoted to cabinet member with a portfolio in community safety.

Having represented the ward since 1999, Cllr Piper regularly blogs over at The Bearwood Page, replacing his own defunct blog page.

The 71-year-old is by no means a traditional Labour grandee. In 2019, the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew a racially aggravated charge against Cllr Piper, with the allegation he used the term ‘Sieg Heil’ to political opponents in July 2018. He had accepted a caution for a lesser public order offence. Cllr Piper has also been under fire in the past for alleged racist caricatures of former Prime Minister David Cameron.

Cllr Piper’s remit will include reducing gang crimes, co-operating with trading standards, and reducing anti-social behaviour.

In: Ahmad Bostan

The broadcaster, who represents Abbey ward, has been promoted to cabinet member with a portfolio in environment.

The Corbynite had previously campaigned on issues such as human rights violations in Kashmir, disability rights and education and, more close to home, off-road motorbikes causing nuisance to local residents in Warley Woods.

Cllr Boston said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to be invited by the leader to serve in cabinet with a portfolio in environment.

“Our aspiration is to make Sandwell the greenest and cleanest borough in the country, and I shall be working day and night to make this a reality. I will shout about our achievements from the rooftops but when we get it wrong, I will be the first to say sorry.”

Cllr Bostan – a close ally of former deputy leader Mahboob Hussain – will be one to watch. First elected in May 2019, he once said former deputy leader Mr Hussain was a big influence on his political career and had been “instrumental in motivating and inspiring me to get active locally”.

That community activism will be needed in his new role. Sandwell council has recently approved a report into the Black Country Ultra Low Emission Zone (BCULEZ) – a response to national government’s commitment to banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Other local environmental issues include promoting the council’s ‘Climate Change Strategy 2041’, tackling emission related to car park charging, and cleaning up Sandwel”s green spaces.

Up: Danny Millard

The youth worker, who now serves as councillor for Blackheath ward, has switched to cabinet member with a portfolio in culture and tourism. His remit will include promoting the night-time economy, art and museums, and the Commonwealth Games in the region.

Having previously sat as cabinet member for governance and democracy, it’s a good time to be promoting Sandwell’s culture and tourism. The borough secured a £67.5m regeneration boost from the Towns Fund –  the largest amount given to any local authority area.

Cllr Danny Millard said: “I’m really pleased to given the opportunity to promote Sandwell on a bigger scale.

“We have so many great places to visit and so many great stories to tell, from Sandwell Valley and the many other beautiful parks in Sandwell, Forge Mill Farm, the Chainmakers festival in Cradley Heath. The list goes on.

“We’re very lucky within the borough to have such a diverse and multicultural society. Sandwell embraces people and that’s a huge positive for me and this portfolio.”

Sandwell council leader Cllr Rajbir Singh said: “I am delighted to announce my new cabinet. This team will provide the direction and leadership to take Sandwell into a period of recovery and rebuilding for our communities, and I know they are looking forward to getting to work for the people of Sandwell.”