updated: December 2010
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Peter Box - Leader
Councillor Box became Leader of Wakefield Council in August 1998, having been elected in 1982. He has led the transformation of Wakefield Council into a modern and efficient authority. The Council is now a 4 star “Excellent” authority and in 2006 was voted Britain’s “Best Small City for Business”. In 2010 Peter was awarded a CBE for Services to Local Government.
Councillor Box’s political career has also seen him Chair the Employment & Economic Development Committee from 1987 – 1990. Before retiring in 2005 Peter was a Probate and Trust lawyer.
Peter was Chair of the Regional Assembly for Yorkshire and the Humber from 2002-until its abolition in 2009 and Chair of the English Regions Network from 2008-2009. He is a former member of the Governments Northern way Steering Group. He is a Chair of the LGA’s Economic and Transport Board and a Leeds City Region Board Member. He also serves on the Young Person’s Learning Agency.
Having been raised in Castleford Peter has a strong and passionate connection with the Wakefield District and is a Trustee for the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the National Coal Mining Museum, two of the District’s most iconic attractions. He has an interest in art deco, music and Irish literature. Cllr Box is also a keen supporter of Castleford Rugby League Football Club and enjoys spending time with his two grandchildren.
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Denise Jeffery - Deputy Leader
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Cllr Denise Jeffery is Deputy Leader of Wakefield Council and represents the Castleford Central and Glasshoughton Ward for the Labour Party. She became the first female Deputy Leader in 2007 and is the Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration and Economic Growth. Cllr Jeffery became a Councillor in 1989 and has been involved in Regeneration for 12 years.
During this time she has been the Chairwoman of Planning and Chairwoman of Development. She is Vice Chairwoman of Wakefield and District Housing, Member of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, Member of the City Region Housing Board, Board Member of First and Board Member of The Hepworth Wakefield.
Cllr Jeffery is involved in animal rescue, enjoys walking and is passionate about rugby league.
