RICHARD ASHTON STEPS DOWN AS CPON CHAIRMAN

29 June 2010 Leave a comment

RICHARD ASHTON: A PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE TO LEAD CPON

CPON has announced that it’s Chairman, Richard Ashton, is stepping down after five successful years in the role.

Richard, who became Chairman in August 2005, is leaving his political assistant’s role at Tameside at the end of June, and believes the time is now right to hand over the reins at CPON.

Richard said, “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have led CPON for the last five years, but I do not feel it would be right to continue as Chairman once I have left my role at Tameside Council.

“The last five years has been a remarkable period for the network, during which time our membership doubled and we received recognition for our work from a wide spectrum of individuals and organisations, from the Prime Minister, David Cameron, to our partners in local government such as the Conservative Councillors’ Association, the LGiU and the IDeA.

“None of this would have been possible without the hard work of our network members in local government, who day after day are making a real difference to the local democratic process. I would like to thank them for the support they have given me during my time as Chairman, and I wish my successor and the network all the very best for the future.”

Elections will now be held to find Richard’s successor.

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YORK MEETING SETS OUT FUTURE DIRECTION FOR CPON

21 May 2010 Leave a comment

CPON today held a meeting in York to set out its future direction.

The network has enjoyed a rapid rise in local government over the last decade, and is now looking to consolidate its position whilst building on the success it has enjoyed in recent years.

Issues discussed included redrafting the network’s constitution, and its relationship with both local government and central government following the formation of David Cameron’s coalition government.

Richard Ashton, CPON’s Chairman, said, “Over the last decade CPON has come from nowhere to play an increasingly influential part in local government. We have continuosly adapted to changing circumstances, and we now must do so once again, against the backdrop of a new Government and any potential changes to the public sector. This meeting was therefore an important way for members to discuss our future direction so that we continue to support them in their work, and the role we can play in local government.”

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ADAM AFRIYIE SPEAKS AT CPON’S 2009 AGM

30 November 2009 Leave a comment

ADAM AFRIYIE ADDRESSES CPON MEMBERS, WITH CPON CHAIRMAN RICHARD ASHTON LOOKING ON

Adam Afriyie, the Shadow Minister for Science & Innovation, was CPON’s main guest speaker at this year’s AGM.

A rising star in the Conservative Party, Mr. Afriyie urged local Conservative Groups to ‘be bold’ and to learn from the success of flagship local authorities.

Joining him at the event in the Guild Hall, Windsor last Friday was an impressive line-up of fine political minds:

  • Cllr. Stephen Greenhalgh, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham;
  • Cllr. David Burbage, Leader of Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead;
  • Cllr. Gregg Smith, Cabinet Member for Crime & Street Scene, H&F;
  • Cllr. Philip Bicknell, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, RBWM;
  • Cllr. Colin Rayner, Cabinet Member for Highways & Street Care, RBWM;
  • Cllr. Barry Macleod-Cullinane, Cabinet Member for Adults & Housing, Harrow;
  • Alison Knight, Recyclebank; and,
  • Alex Deane, Director of Big Brother Watch and former Chief of Staff to David Cameron.

Afterwards, CPON members enjoyed a curry and drinks with Britain’s youngest mayor, 29-year-old Mayor of Windsor & Maidenhead, Cllr. Catherine Bursnall.

ABOVE: BIG BROTHER WATCH’S ALEX DEAN (right) AND CLLR. GREG SMITH PROVIDED LIVELY DEBATE

Richard Ashton, CPON’s Chairman, said, “Each year, CPON organises such meetings and events from its own funds, in order to both support its members in their day-today duties and raise CPON’s profile in local government.”

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