This is a copy of the press release that went out today announcing Linda standing down from the cabinet.

Press Release

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance, Councillor Linda Oliver, has decided to step down from her role.

Cllr Oliver has recently had to devote an increasing amount of time to her own business responsibilities, which has made it hard to devote the necessary time to her Cabinet role.

Cllr Oliver said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to take but there simply were not enough hours in the day for me to do both jobs to the level I would have wanted to, so I have decided to step aside.

“The decision has been made all the more difficult because we have a superb new Leader and a great team on the Cabinet. The Council is clearly heading in the right direction under his Leadership and I wish him and colleagues well in the future.”

Cllr Oliver’s successor as portfolio holder for Resources and Performance is Cllr Steve Count, who is the member for March North.

He said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to take on this role and I am sure I can repay Cllr Clarke’s faith in me.

“Having joined the County Council in March the learning curve is steep but I am looking forward to getting started and making a strong contribution to the leadership of the Council and the County.”

Cllr Nick Clarke, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Cllr Oliver and I have discussed things at length and I completely understand the position she finds herself in. Reluctantly I have agreed with her that this is the best course of action. I would like to thank her for her work and contribution in Cabinet to date.

“I am delighted to have appointed Cllr Steve Count as the new Cabinet Member for Resources and Performance.

“I believe he will provide the fresh perspectives and thinking which can be so valuable as we deal with such challenging financial circumstances. I know he will rise to the challenge.”