Leader of Powys County Council announces new cabinet

Councillor Rosemarie Harris, who was elected executive leader of the council at the council's annual meeting last Thursday, revealed that she would have a cabinet of 10 members made up of six Independent and four Welsh Conservative members.

She said: "The cabinet is made up from the coalition of the Independent Group and Welsh Conservatives but is one that will act as one team on behalf of the people of Powys.

"I have appointed a team with a blend of experience, knowledge and fresh ideas – we have five members with cabinet experience and five new to role. We have more women on the cabinet than before."

She added: "It is a cabinet that represents all parts of the county and I hope that it is the most inclusive the council has experienced. As a team we have the determination to deliver real change for the people of Powys."

The new cabinet is leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris; deputy leader and finance, Councillor Aled Davies; housing and countryside Services, councillor Jonathan Wilkinson; education, councillor Myfanwy Alexander; HR and communications, Councillor James Evans; adult social care, Councillor Stephen Hayes; regeneration and planning, Councillor Martin Weale; highways, Councillor Liam Fitzpatrick; children, youth, libraries and leisure services, Councillor Rachel Powell; and property and waste, Councillor Phyl Davies.

Russell George, Montgomeryshire AM, said: "I would like to congratulate Councillor Harris on becoming the leader of Powys County Council and I look forward to working with her administration and all local councillors in an effort to improve the communities which they represent.

"I know that the Conservative group of councillors under the leadership of their group leader, Councillor Aled Davies, will play a constructive role as part of the new administration and will use their influence to put forward positive proposals which were included in their plan for Powys during the election campaign.

"As the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, I will do all I can to support the new administration at Powys County Council and look forward to working with Councillor Harris' team to navigate the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead in the best interests of Powys' people and communities."

Deputy leader Councillor Davies added: "Powys faces huge challenges and at the top of our list are our schools.

"We must also rebuild the trust with our communities, trust that has been lost of the last few years. If we work together with our communities and the council provides strong and stable leadership, there is no reason why we can't deliver change."