New council leader chooses cabinet

The new leader of Shropshire Council has chosen his cabinet to help run the Tory-controlled authority. Only one name remains from the former Shropshire County Council cabinet.

That is Councillor Peter Nutting, member for Copthorne, who takes the portfolio for assets and performance.

Councillor Keith Barrow, the new council leader, will lead the group and be responsible for resources.

Looking after community working and customer service will be Councillor Gwilym Butler, member for Cleobury Mortimer, while Councillor Cecilia Motley, member for Corvedale, and Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Ruyton and Baschurch member, have been put in charge of children and young people.

Councillor Simon Jones, for Shawbury, gets the adult services portfolio, Councillor Stephen Charmley, Whittington member, gets culture and leisure, and Councillor Mal Price, member for Battlefield, is put in charge of housing.

Councillor Dave Roberts, for Loton, is in charge of local environment and economy, while Councillor Martin Taylor-Smith, member for Ludlow North, will look after strategic planning and transport.

Councillor Barrow, member for Oswestry South, said: "I think we have got a great team."

The Tories won a landslide election victory last week, taking 54 of the 74 seats up for grabs.

Councillor Barrow was elected group leader in a secret ballot of members last Monday evening, defeating Councillor Malcolm Pate, Albrighton member and ex-county council leader who played a key role in taking Shropshire to unitary status.

The annual meeting of the new council takes place on Thursday.