The political group or groups of the Council whose members have been appointed to the Cabinet by the Leader of the Council shall be identified as the Controlling Group or Groups. Each Political Group other than that forming the ruling administration on the Council will appoint one of its members to the position of Group Leader / Co-ordinator / Convenor. The political group with the largest number of seats on the Council and whose members have not been appointed to the Cabinet by the Leader of the Council shall be identified as the Major Opposition Group.
Main Purpose of Role
In addition to the duties and responsibilities expected to be undertaken by all members, to provide leadership of an opposition group.
Duties and Responsibilities
To provide for residents, stakeholders and
partners, visible political leadership in relation to the
opposition group’s views on the design, preparation and
implementation of the Council’s policies, strategies, budgets
and service delivery.
To lead the opposition group and provide
strategic direction for that group in endeavouring to ensure that
the Council works in the best interests of the local
community.
To act as the group’s spokesperson on
all aspects of the Council’s agreed and developing
budget and policy
framework and fulfil the role of principal spokesperson for his /
her group.
To ensure that members of his / her group
comply with local and national codes of conduct and protocols
governing member conduct and behaviour and where necessary to deal
with any breaches of these codes or protocols.
To provide, as appropriate, alternatives or
amendments to the District Council’s policies, strategies and
budgets.
To provide strong and effective leadership
of an opposition group including challenging the running of the
Council by the controlling group(s) as appropriate.
To represent the views of his / her Group in
relation to any matter on which officers seek consultation and
guidance.
To maintain effective relationships with the
Leader of the Council, other members of the Council, the
Chief Executive,
Corporate Managers and other relevant senior
officers.
To ensure effective contact with community
leaders and other external stakeholders, as appropriate, and
represent their views in ensuring effective opposition to the
ruling administration, as appropriate.
To nominate members of his / her group to
serve on all appropriate member bodies, including as necessary
other outside bodies.
To represent, by virtue of his / her
position, the Council on district-wide, regional and national
bodies and national and international events relating to, or
organised by, those bodies.
If deemed appropriate to take personal
responsibility for ‘shadowing’ one or more service or
corporate area of the District Council’s activity.
If deemed appropriate to appoint members of
his / her Group to ‘shadow’ particular service or
corporate areas of the District Council’s
activity.
Accountability
The tasks and duties outlined in this role description relate to the political or member level activities of the District Council. Accountability for members’ performance is ultimately through the political and electoral process but will be subject to any member personal development arrangements agreed by the Council.