Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board for 25-26 has been announced, with Council Leader Cllr Mike Wharton remaining at the helm.

Cllr Wharton was officially confirmed as Leader at Friday evening’s meeting of the full Council, when appointments to the various Boards, Committees and Panels also approved.

Cllr Wharton selected his Executive Board of ten elected members and announced their portfolio areas.

Appointed to the board for the first time are Cllr Laura Bevan (Employment, Learning, Skills and Community) and Cllr Andrea Wall (Community Safety).

Cllr Wharton says: “I’m delighted to be elected as Leader of Halton Borough Council once again. It really is a privilege to be given the opportunity represent the people of Halton in this way.

“I’ve brought two excellent, hard-working and enthusiastic members onto the Executive Board who are raring to go, and I’m confident they are right people to help take us forward. All members of the previous board did a fantastic job, but sometimes you need to change things a little.”

Leaving the board are Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones and Cllr Stef Nelson.  Martha will take up the role of Mayor for 2025-26, and Stef will concentrate on his role on Cheshire Fire Authority, representing Halton.

Cllr Wharton said: “I would like to personally thank them for the support they have given me during their time on the Executive Board

“I’m really looking forward to working with the new-look board and I have seen plenty of enthusiasm and commitment from them already.

“We are all completely focused on getting things right for our residents – delivering high-quality services, supporting those who need it most, creating opportunities for all, and overseeing a resilient, well-run authority.”

Cllr Andrea Wall and Cllr Laura Bevan are both looking forward to getting started in their new roles.

Cllr Wall says: “It is an honour for me to be appointed to the Executive Board of the Council. I have hit the ground running and have already got to work on the Community Safety portfolio.

“I will work as hard as I can to deliver for the people of Widnes and Runcorn. I love our area, and I want it to be the best place it can possibly be. I will listen to residents to enable me to focus on their priorities.

“I want to work with fellow residents in order to achieve the best we can for our area. I remain a Highfield Ward councillor, alongside joining the Executive Board.”

Andrea is originally from West Bank in Widnes, and she has lived in Widnes all her life.  She attended St Patrick’s Nursery, St Bede’s Infant & Junior Schools, St Joseph’s High School and Riverside College.

Andrea is married to Ian, and they have two children. She works as an Office Manager and Casework Manager.

Cllr Bevan says: “I am truly honoured and privileged to have been appointed to the Executive Board. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I am genuinely excited to begin working closely with our communities and local businesses to create meaningful, lasting impact.

“I am a married mum of two daughters and I have lived in Widnes all my life. I am deeply passionate about our community and proud to call it home. I currently work within the local Voluntary, Community, Social, Faith and Enterprise (VCSFE) sector and am an active, hands-on member of our area.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of founding a local women’s support group, coordinating hygiene pantries to support those in need, and organising community events that celebrate all the incredible things our area has to offer. These events brought lots of people together, highlighted local talent and cast a light on amazing people in Halton, and created a sense of community spirit.

“It has been the greatest honour to serve the residents of Bankfield Ward, and I remain committed to working hard on behalf of our community. I look forward to continuing this work alongside my recent appointment, ensuring local voices are heard and positive change is delivered for everyone.”

 

THE FULL EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR 2025/26:

Leader – Mike Wharton

Deputy Leader – Dave Thompson

Adult Social Care – Angela Ball

Corporate Services – Mark Dennett

Children, Young People and Families – Tom McInerney

Community Safety – Andrea Wall

Employment, Leaning, Skills and Community – Laura Bevan

Environment and Urban Renewal – Paul Nolan

Health and Wellbeing – Marie Wright

Housing and Environmental Sustainability – Phil Harris