The Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place earlier today (12 May), with the Leader of the Council promising another year of delivering for Nottingham.
Councillor Neghat Khan said;
“The progress made over the past year marks an important step forward in improving how we work and how we serve the people of Nottingham.
“Nottingham deserves a council that delivers good local services and sets an ambitious vision for a city where people want to live, work and study. Over the last year, I’ve worked with members and officers to put us on the right footing to achieve that, and our recently approved Council Plan sets out our ambition and core priorities as a Council.”
The AGM is an opportunity to set the political leadership for the year. This year, Cllr Khan announced a number of revised Executive Member portfolio areas to ‘ensure delivery’ on her renewed Council Plan:
- Cllr Neghat Khan Leader of the Council, and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Property and Communications
- Cllr Ethan Radford, Deputy Leader of the Council, and Executive Member for Finance and Resources
- Cllr Cheryl Barnard, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education Children’s Services
- Cllr Corall Jenkins, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Waste and Equalities
- Cllr Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adults Social Care and Health
- Cllr Jay Hayes Executive Member for Housing and Planning Housing
- Cllr Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport
- Cllr Sam Lux, Executive Member for Climate and Energy
“The changes to my Executive team signal a decisive focus on delivering on our Council Plan.
“Councillor Linda Woodings will take on a new and vital role as Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport.
“She will play a pivotal role in strengthening our regional and national influence, and particularly our relationship with the East Midlands Combined County Authority—a relationship that will be essential as we seek to unlock greater funding and partnership opportunities.
“I have also promised a renewed focus on city centre management, working closely with stakeholders to address challenges and drive forward a thriving, inclusive and resilient city centre. I am pleased that Councillor Woodings will also take responsibility for this area.
“I’m also delighted to welcome Councillor Helen Kalsi as Executive Member for Adults, Social Care and Health.
“Helen brings a wealth of experience, having dedicated her entire professional life to the NHS, including in senior roles and most recently as a nationally recognised Advanced Practitioner in Physiotherapy, specialising in Oncology and Palliative Care. Since her election to the Council in May 2023, she has already shown enormous dedication, and I am delighted to welcome her to the Executive.
“Cllr Radford’s dedicated finance portfolio will ensure our continued efforts to achieve financial sustainability are supported, building on the excellent work of Councillor Woodings.
“These new appointments are teamed with a number of existing Executive Members who have displayed passion, leadership and professionalism, I’m really excited to see what the next year holds, and look forward to working with my fellow Councillors to deliver for Nottingham.”
The Mayor Making Ceremony also took place during the AGM, with Councillor Patience Ifediora sworn in as Lord Mayor for 2025 – 26, and Councillor Zafran Khan appointed as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Cllr Ifediora made history as Nottingham’s first female African Lord Mayor – ensuring Nottingham’s diversity continues to be represented by those elected to service the city.
Cllr Z Khan takes up the prestigious role of Sheriff of Nottingham – a role that carries with it centuries of legacy, and resonates far beyond the borders of Nottingham. Cllr Z Khan was first elected in 2019, now serving as a councillor for Wollaton West.
Their full bios will be updated on NCC’s website later this week.
Cllr Nehgat Khan added:
“Cllr Ifediora’s story is part of Nottingham’s story. In 2015, she made history as the first African woman elected to this council. In 2019, she served as Sheriff of Nottingham, offering dignity and compassion to that office. And today, she breaks new ground again.
“Her journey matters. Because representation matters. It tells our young people that there is a place for them at the table—that no matter your background, your faith, your accent, or the colour of your skin, you belong here. You can lead here.
“And as for Cllr Z Khan, it is with immense pride and great honour that we welcome him to the to the esteemed and historic position of Sheriff of Nottingham, and I do that, not only as Leader of this Council—but as a proud sister. I can think of no better person to uphold the modern dignity and values of this prestigious office.
“As the proud councillor for Wollaton West, he’s worked tirelessly alongside his fellow councillors to protect local green spaces, promote environmental awareness, and encourage pride in our shared surroundings. I know he will use the platform of Sheriff to continue championing these causes.”
Recordings of both meetings are now available to watch on the Council’s YouTube channel.
The meeting also saw appointments to all of its committees, joint-committees and regulatory boards, which will be updated on NCC’s website.