Following Cambridge Labour’s annual AGM held today (Sunday 14^th May) Cllr Anna Smith will be focussing on her work as Deputy Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, and Deputy Leader of Cambridge City Council (non-statutory) Cllr Mike Davey has been appointed as her successor as Leader of Cambridge Labour Group. He will be formally appointed Leader of the City Council at the upcoming Council AGM later this month.

Cllr Anna Smith said, “I am very proud of what we’ve achieved together in my time as council leader. I am particularly proud of the hundreds of new council homes we are building across the city, and the way in which we have protected our generous community grants programme in the face of Tory cuts.  I’m proud too to have led Cambridge Labour to two record victories in the local elections.

“I’m also proud of my leadership of the Combined Authority whilst Nik Johnson temporarily stood down. I look forward to continuing as Deputy Mayor of the CPCA, working with Nik on the exciting projects ahead.

“I will continue to prioritise service over ambition and will work with the next leader of the council in the best interests of the people of Cambridge.”

Cambridge Labour Leader designate Cllr Mike Davey commented;

“I’m thrilled to have been appointed as the new leader, taking over from the excellent and capable leadership of Cllr Anna Smith. Our vision for the city remains focused on our key pledges of tackling poverty and inequality, addressing the climate crisis, building a new generation of council houses and maintain key services despite tory cuts.

I want to thank Cllr Anna Smith for the tremendous amount she has achieved during her tenure as leader. I am delighted that she will remain as board member and deputy mayor of the Combined Authority, I look forward to working with her as she makes this vital contribution at regional level.”

Mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Dr Nik Johnson commented, “I’m absolutely delighted that Anna will be focussing more of her time on the Combined Authority. I’m incredibly grateful for the work she did as acting mayor when I temporarily stood down, and she is an excellent deputy. I look forward to continuing to work with her.”