At the Annual Meeting on Friday 22 May 2026, Cllr Sean Donnelly was confirmed as the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, following the retirement of Cllr David Lonergan who had held that position since August 2024.
Cllr Donnelly said “I am honoured to have been appointed as Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
“Having served as a Councillor for several years, I have always believed that there is no greater responsibility than helping children and young people achieve their full potential. Every decision we make helps to shape the opportunities available for the next generation.”
Cllr Donnelly’s portfolio includes working with schools to improve educational outcomes, early years, safeguarding children, youth services, youth justice, children with special educational needs disabilities, short breaks for children with disabilities, children looked after, child exploitation and sufficiency including fostering.
He has also held a number of previous roles including Deputy Leader of the Council, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Vice Chair of the Sustainable Borough Scrutiny Committee and Chair of the Planning Committee.
In a professional capacity, Cllr Donnelly’s career has largely been within the NHS where he has worked in a range of leadership and project management roles.
Cllr Donnelly added “Throughout my career, I have been involved in improving services for children, young people and families, particularly in areas such as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), learning disabilities, neurodiversity, health inequalities and integrated care. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges families face and the importance of organisations, both working together and also with families, to provide the right support at the right time.
“As I begin this new role, I am excited to work alongside our schools, early years providers, social care teams, police, health partners, voluntary organisations and, most importantly, the children, young people and families who use our services.”
Cllr Donnelly’s priorities include:-
- Ensuring every child in Knowsley has the best start in life – early intervention is crucial in order to identify issues early and provide support quickly, helping to improve outcomes for children and young people and support them to thrive.
- Improving support for children and young people with SEND and ensuring that support and services are accessible. Feedback received from families about their experiences is important to ensure that services and support are accessible, responsive and centred around the needs of children and young people.
- Ensuring every child has access to high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve and reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- Continuing with the Children’s Social Care improvement journey – we are half way into the three year journey and progress is being made, but there is still more to be done.
- Ensuring that emotional health and wellbeing support is available, helping children and young people to stay healthy, resilient and confident.
- Listening to our children and young people – their views really do matter and will help to inform and shape services and support.
Cllr Donnelly added “Here in Knowsley, we have committed professionals, dedicated parents and carers, outstanding schools, supportive families and remarkable children and young people who achieve incredible things every day. I’m really looking forward to meeting and hearing from people and championing the great work we are doing. By working together, we can ensure every child is safe, supported, ambitious and able to fulfil their potential.”