One of the issues with success, is that people think it is going to continue forever, that the redevelopment of Gloucester has a life of its own and an unstoppable momentum. If it was all so easy, then ask yourself this – why did it take until the city was almost on its knees before regeneration ever got going? As major projects like the demolition of the former Bruton Way car park and offices are underway, and across the other side of the city plans are afoot to reinvigorate three of the former Dock-side warehouses, it is easy to see no end to progress. But the question seems apt, because this is a time of change in one other key regard as well – after nearly a quarter of a century in city politics and 10 years as leader of its council, Paul James has stepped down and the baton has been passed to Richard Cook. For those cynical of local government politics, Mr Cook’s assertion that he never had any intentions of becoming leader and actively argued against such an outcome may immediately propel his stock skyward. “I had been on a leadership course, and when I came back Paul (James) asked me what my ambitions were in terms of leadership and I said ‘absolutely none,” said Mr Cook. But leader he became in November – and he will be at the helm as the Conservative-led council steams ahead towards May’s local elections. Leading the way
“It was a time when Jennie Watkins said she too was stepping down and Lisa Noakes very sadly passed away. “Hannah Norman
would have made a great leader, but she works full-time, and if you are going to be a leader, you have to be either retired or be prepared to work less.” Remuneration as council leader is unlikely to ever make anyone rich. “So, I am here by accident,” he reflects, now looking at ease with his new position. He is not originally from the city and brings with him skills learned in big business and at the coalface as a small trader, which appear ready to fit well. Not shy to make comment, but inclined towards the considered, his presence exports into the council not just new skills to add to his fellow councillors’ credentials, but a kind of arms-length appreciation of Gloucester, best summed up by the man himself. “I only been in Gloucester six years - I have moved around the country a lot before that – but I can honestly say it has quickly become the very best place I have ever lived,” he said.
“I was elected to Kingsway in 2016. It was three months later, after Jim Porter's death, I unexpectedly took over his environment portfolio,” said Mr Cook. It was he who picked over the contract with Amey plc, which provides environmental and waste services to the city, and helped point the way to developing that relationship. It was a relationship some might say was ripe for improvement. “Because I had a contract managers’ background, I immediately started getting into the contract and realised
56 | February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com
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