Changes to Executive responsibilities announced
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
The Leader of the Council has announced changes to the composition of the Executive with immediate notice.
The Children and Families portfolio is of critical importance to the council. Improving outcomes for all children remains a key priority, and the breadth of this portfolio is considerable, encompassing education, social care, special educational needs and disabilities, among other responsibilities.
Given the scale and complexity of this remit, it requires a significant level of Executive time and capacity. With immediate effect, Councillor Gareth Mackey will take on the role of Portfolio Holder for Children and Families. In addition, a new deputy position for this area, to which Councillor Liz Childs has been appointed, will add additional capacity.
Councillor Childs becomes a full member of the Executive, as Executive member for Communities.
Councillor Owen, the current Executive Member for Children and Families, will continue to represent his ward as a councillor.
In addition, the Leader has announced the creation of a further Deputy Portfolio Holder position. Councillor Russell Goodchild will take on the role of Deputy Executive Member for Town and Parish Councils and town centres.
Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
The Children and Families portfolio is both extensive and vitally important.
I am hugely grateful to Councillor Steve Owen for all he has put in over the last 18 months, and for the many sacrifices he has made to ensure he gave his all to what is an extremely challenging role. He can take great credit for the efforts he has made to ensure progress on transitioning schools to two tier, and school attainment, and for being a strong corporate parent for our cared for, and care leaving children. He leaves this role with my gratitude and appreciation.
I am pleased to appoint Councillor Gareth Mackey as Executive Member for Children and Families, supported by Liz Childs as Deputy. Together, they bring experience, energy and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across our area.
I am also pleased to appoint Russell Goodchild - this role will play an important part in strengthening our engagement and collaboration with town and parish councils.
Executive will be composed as follows
Councillor Adam Zerny - Leader
Responsibilities include: Planning, Local Plan
Councillor Mark Smith - Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Adult Social Care
Responsibilities include: Adult social care, Public Health
Councillor John Baker - Executive Member for Finance and Highways
Responsibilities include: Finance, Highways, Legal, ICT, Parking, Town and Parish councils
Councillor Gareth Mackey - Executive Member for Children and Families
Responsibilities include: Children's Social Care and Safeguarding, SEND, Schools, School transport, Youth services
Councillor Liz Childs - Executive Member for Communities and Deputy Executive Member for Children and Families
Responsibilities include: Community Safety and Public Protection
Councillor Steve Watkins - Executive Member for Business, Housing and Public Assets
Responsibilities include: Property, Asset Management, HRA, Business, Leisure, Town centres
Councillor Russ Goodchild - Deputy Executive Member for Town and Parish councils and town centres
Councillor Tracey Wye - Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Responsibilities include: Sustainability, Waste and environment, Public transport, Licensing, Libraries