Speaking at the ninth Annual Public Meeting of East Midlands Development Agency in Leicester, he outlined his goal to bring key partners together across the region.
He said:
"These are exceptional circumstances requiring decisive measures. The Prime Minister has established the National Economic Council, supported by a Regional Economic Council, to steer the UK economy during the global downturn. This is why today, I'm announcing two further initiatives in the East Midlands to address current economic pressures.
"Firstly, I'm creating and will lead, an economic cabinet for the region working closely with Bryan Jackson, emda's Chairman, and Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of emda. It will be a tight group of the key regional partners, it's overall purpose is to provide strong and effective leadership to the region, to ensure we sustain a thriving economy and respond swiftly to the challenges ahead.
"Emda and I will be announcing further details over the next few days, including membership of the new cabinet.
"Secondly, the regional forum planned for December will be brought forward. It will focus on the key actions that a wider group of regional partners can take working together to address the impact of the current global economic downturn on the East Midlands."
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