South Tyneside Council’s Reform UK cabinet confirmed

Councillor Paul Mackings, leader of the council’s new 41-strong Reform UK Group, was formally appointed as council leader at the borough’s annual meeting on Tuesday (May 19, 2026).

The meeting follows the May 7 local elections which saw South Tyneside Labour lose dozens of councillors and majority control of the council, which the Labour Party had controlled for decades.

Cllr Mackings confirmed seven lead member positions in addition to his own role at the annual council meeting this week, with the executive cabinet being the main decision-making committee for the local authority.

The new Reform UK cabinet includes:

• Cllr Paul Mackings – Leader of South Tyneside Council.
• Cllr Susan Sybenga – Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.
• Cllr David Royal – Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Investment.
• Cllr Steve Smith – Cabinet Member for Housing.
• Cllr Elliott Curry – Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Tourism and the Voluntary Sector.
• Cllr Karen Pittuck – Cabinet Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety.
• Cllr Michelle Fascione – Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills.
• Cllr Andy Heywood – Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Independence.

The changes to cabinet follow a recent review of the council’s constitution and include a reduction in one cabinet member compared to the previous year.

The names of some former Labour cabinet portfolios have largely remained the same, while some responsibilities have been moved to newly named cabinet portfolios, along with previous references to “climate change” and “partnerships and equalities” being omitted.

Cllr Mackings, Whiteleas ward member, announced the new cabinet at Tuesday’s annual meeting and said it was a “real honour” to become council leader.

The Whitburn-born businessman, who was elected as the borough’s Reform UK Group leader at a party meeting earlier this month, said he would take on the council leader role with “humility and determination and a strong sense of responsibility to the people we have been elected to serve.”

He added the new borough cabinet would focus on “delivering strong services, supporting our communities and progressing our ambitions for the borough”.

Cllr Mackings told the annual meeting: “Our residents want common sense, honesty, accountability and councillors who will put South Tyneside first, that is exactly what we intend to do.

“We may come from different backgrounds and experience but we’re united by one clear purpose, to work hard for our communities and to bring real change to local politics.

“Our focus will be on getting the basics right, recognising and building on what is already working well, being open about where things need to improve and making sure we deliver the services people rely on day in day out.

“I would also like to take a moment to thank the outgoing Labour administration for their hard work, dedication and service to the borough over many years.

“Public service is never easy and regardless of political differences, those who step forward to serve their communities deserve recognition and respect for their commitment.

“I also want to thank my fellow Reform councillors for their support and commitment, this is only the beginning and together we will continue to build a strong credible voice for the people of South Tyneside.”

South Tyneside Council’s political make-up is now 41 Reform UK councillors, 10 Green Party councillors, two independent councillors and one Labour councillor.

The new Reform UK cabinet will meet publicly for the first time on Wednesday, May 27, at South Shields Town Hall from 4pm.

For more information on the meeting, which is open to the public, visit South Tyneside Council’s website.