Helen Purnell has been elected leader of Bracknell Forest Council. A former police officer and mum, she has lived in Bracknell for 40 years and told residents she will serve them “with integrity, honesty and determination.”
Purnell made her inaugural speech on Wednesday 25 March and pledged to focus the council on the safety of women and girls and on delivering a new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school in the borough.
She said: “It’s a great privilege to stand here, elected as the new leader of Bracknell Forest Council.”
As leader she set out the principles for her administration: “I want to take this opportunity to make it clear to residents what they can expect, and to lay out the principles by which my administration will be judged. As leader of your council, I pledge to serve you with integrity, honesty and determination. Integrity: because residents must be able to look to their council with confidence, that it is always acting in their best interests. With honesty: because I will neither hide from the challenges we face, nor duck the celebration of our successes. Residents must know what is working and what is not. Determination: because local leaders have a bigger obligation than ever to deliver for residents against rising costs, and assert the values of our community against the loud voices of grievance, misinformation and petty self interest online. I will continue to be unwavering in my support for those most in need, to create opportunities for all, and champion the community-spirited and self-starters which are the heart of our town. And I will never shy away from championing everyone in our community - not just those who shout the loudest.”
Purnell and new Children’s Services cabinet member Megan Wright joined MP Peter Swallow to meet Education minister Josh McAlister to press for a date to build the new SEND school.
Wright said: “So proud to have Helen as our leader. Excited about the coming year. A lot to do before the next local election.” She added: “We had a great meeting with the DfE. Josh McAlister (Minister for Children and Families) listened and understood that Bracknell Forest should be a priority case, and that our existing relationship with the school trust means that we should be able to move quickly getting started on the school.”
Wright said the new school and national reforms show a commitment to improving provision: “Our new SEND school, combined with national-level reforms to the SEND system show that we’re properly committed to changing the whole experience for SEND families.”
The new cabinet has already started work on priorities including a capital programme to fix roads led by cllr Gillbe and a benefits‑into‑work project overseen by cllr Bidwell.
Peter Swallow said: “I’m pleased we were able to secure a meeting with Minister MacAlister to discuss next steps on the autism school. Working with councillor colleagues, I’ll keep pressing for us to move as fast as possible, so we can provide vital support for Bracknell Forest children.”
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
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