Fire Authority appoints new Chairman, Vice Chairman and Deputy Chairman
26 June 2009
On Thursday, 25 June 2009 the Annual General Meeting of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority resolved to appoint Conservative Councillor James Pearson of Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, as the new leader of the Authority.
James was Vice Chairman of the Fire Authority during 2008 and has now become the youngest ever Chairman of a Local Authority in England. Joining Councillor Pearson will be Vice Chairman, Councillor Paul Shannon of Manchester City Council and Deputy Chairman, Councillor Brian Millard of Stockport both from the Liberal Democrats.
In accepting the Chairmanship, Councillor Pearson acknowledged the leadership of the previous Chair, Councillor Paul Shannon and specifically his work in Equality and Diversity.
Chairman Pearson said, "I recognise that we are all going through a challenging and turbulent period of financial uncertainty. I am confident that the leadership of the Fire Authority and the Services Management Team are able to meet this challenge. Whilst looking forward to working with the new County Fire Officer, I would also like to pay tribute to Barry Dixon’s determination and commitment to improve the safety of the public of Greater Manchester.”
James continued, “I am committed to our vision of making Greater Manchester a safer place by being a modern, community focused and influential Fire and Rescue Authority."
Welcoming the new Chairman of the Fire Authority, County Fire Officer Barry Dixon said, "It’s been a privilege to work with James as a senior member of the Fire Authority and I have no doubt that he will continue to deliver a first class Fire and Rescue Service to the public of Greater Manchester as Chairman."
Other leading appointments made at the Annual Meeting include Tameside's Councillor John Bell who continues as Chair of Personnel Committee; Oldham's Councillor Derek Heffernan as Chair of Finance and General Purposes; outgoing Deputy Chairman Councillor Jack Walton of Bury who becomes Chair of Audit Committee; and Manchester Councillor Paul Ankers who continues in the role of Chair of Equality and Diversity.
Notes
James grew up in Altrincham where his family have lived for over 100 years. He went to Knutsford High School where he was Chairman of the Students Union. He was elected to Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council in June 2004 as the youngest person ever elected to the council. He was appointed to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority in 2005.
He represents Trafford MBC on Manchester University Council of Governors, North West Reserve Forces & Cadets Association, Manchester Airport Consultative Committee and is a Trustee of the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.
In his professional life he is a Business Analyst and has worked for Caudwell Communications, Pipex Plc, Tiscali and Bupa.
In his spare time he is a Governor of University Hospital South Manchester NHS Trust and a school Governor of Altrincham Grammar School for Boys and Navigation Primary School. He is also an Officer in the Territorial Army and Commands Bravo Troop at 59 City of Liverpool Signal Squadron in Aintree. He enjoys running and ran the London Marathon in 2005.