Skip to main contentEnter

Ipswich Borough Council approves new appointments to wholly owned companies

News

The Leader of Ipswich Borough Council has approved new appointments to the boards of several council-owned companies as part of a review of governance arrangements.

The decision, made on 8 July 2024, aims to ensure good governance for the council's wholly-owned companies. The appointments take immediate effect.

The changes were part of a broader consideration of governance requirements for the council's companies and the determination of matters reserved for the Executive within these structures.

Key points:

  • Councillor David Ellesmere appointed to the boards of Handford Homes Limited and Ipswich Borough Assets Limited

  • Councillor Cathy Frost appointed to the boards of IPSERV Ltd and IPSERV Direct Services Limited

  • A commercial transaction, details of which are confidential, was also approved

While the recommendations have been approved, they are subject to a call-in period.

This means:

  • The decision could be reviewed if called in by 15 July 2024

  • If not called in, the changes will come into force on 16 July 2024

The decision is classified as a key decision, highlighting its significance for the council's operations.

"Wholly owned companies" refer to businesses that are entirely owned and controlled by the council, often used to manage specific services or assets.

Further details about the governance review and commercial transaction are available in confidential appendices to the council report.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

Load next article