The Cabinet

The Cabinet is responsible for the strategic thinking and decisions that steer how the council is run. They meet monthly and take decisions together. They each have an area of responsibility for which they:

  • act as the council's spokesperson and advocate
  • lead the development of council policy and make recommendations to the Cabinet
  • make individual executive decisions on behalf of the Cabinet when needed
  • provide guidance to the Cabinet on the running of related activities
  • give guidance to the Cabinet on budget priorities
  • monitor performance and make sure that policy is delivered
  • lead the improvement of related council services
  • make sure that related activities meet the council's overall vision, core values and guiding principles
  • decide the area of activity for their deputy cabinet member.

Other duties include:

  • contributing to debate and decision-making as part of the Cabinet as a whole
  • working constructively and openly with backbench, opposition members and officers to make sure that the overview and scrutiny process is working correctly
  • appearing before, and responding to reports of, overview and scrutiny bodies
  • representing the council at national and local level.

Cabinet members

  • Roger GoughRoger Gough
    Leader of Kent County Council

  • Peter OakfordPeter Oakford
    Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services

  • Neil Baker
    Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

  • Clair Bell
    Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

  • Sue Chandler
    Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services

  • Dylan JeffreyDylan Jeffrey
    Cabinet Member for Communications and Democratic Services

  • Rory Love
    Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

  • Derek MurphyDerek Murphy
    Cabinet Member for Economic Development

  • Rob ThomasRob Thomas
    Cabinet Member for Environment

  • Dan WatkinsDan Watkins
    Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

Deputy cabinet members

  • Penny ColePenny Cole
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

  • A portrait photograph of Mike DendorMike Dendor
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services

  • Photo of Sarah Hamilton. Sarah Hamilton
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

  • Image of Tony HillsTony Hills
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment

  • Andrew KennedyAndrew Kennedy
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

  • Jeremy KiteJeremy Kite
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Communications and Engagement

  • A portrait photograph of James McInroyJames McInroy
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development

  • Jordan MeadeJordan Meade
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities

  • Harry RaynerHarry Rayner
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance

  • David RobeyDavid Robey
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

  • Dirk RossDirk Ross
    Deputy Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services