A FORMER leader of Trafford Council has been promoted by David Cameron to be a non-departmental member of the Government.


Baroness Susan Williams, who led the council from 2004 to 2009, is now officially entitled Baroness in Waiting, which also means she will be a Lady in Waiting to the Queen.


Baroness Williams will work within the Whips office in the House of Lords, which is not to be confused with the Whips in the House of Commons, who deal predominately party management.


The Baroness will assume the same constitutional position as departmental ministers and will play an active role in promoting departmental policy in Communities and Local Government, as well as being involved with Home Office, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.


Baroness Williams said: “I'm delighted to have been invited to join the front bench team in the Lords.


“It’s a great honour and I'm looking forward to working with other members of the Government over the next 12 months in the run up to the general election.”
 

Current Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Sean Anstee, said: “I offer my sincere congratulations to Susan and suggest that this additional responsibility is testament to her skill and experience across a number of important areas.”


In taking on the position, Baroness Williams will step down from her role as chief executive of the Atlantic Gateway and director of the Northwest Rail Campaign.