New chair for council

10:47am Tuesday 20th May 2008

WEST Somerset Council elected a new chairman at their annual meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Eddie May (pictured), ward member for Williton, took the reigns from Cllr Jenny Hill with Cllr John Walker for Minehead South appointed vice chairman.

Cllr May said: "I'd like to thank Cllr Hill for the work she has done for the council as Chairman over the last year.

"I am very pleased to be taking on the role and I look forward to working with all councillors as one big group so that the council can move forward and improve."

Dulverton and Brushford ward member, Cllr Keith Ross, was re-elected as Leader of the council, and Cllr Michael Downes, Minehead South, was appointed Deputy Leader.

Cllr Ross said: "The past year has not been without its challenges and I would like to thank the cabinet for its loyalty and support over the past year.

"Cllr Stokes has been a great deputy leader and rock.

"His help and support has been invaluable to me and to the council.

"Cllr Humber has stepped down as Housing portfolio holder, and I commend him for the strides he has made with this service over the last year. His dedication to housing went beyond the call of duty.

"I am delighted that Cllr May is now chairman and I would like to thank him for his many years of devoted service to our communities, particularly with regards to improving the lives of children and young people.

"I am looking forward to working closely with all councillors over the coming year to make progress with the council's core priorities."

For more details on new positions in the council go to www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk.

Cabinet portfolio holders Cllr Keith Ross - corporate improvement and internal resources Cllr Mike Downes - economic development and tourism Cllr Jon Freeman - Environment Cllr Kate Kravis - housing and well-being Cllr Neil Parbrook - community including leisure, culture & well-being Cllr Doug Ross - finance Chair and vice chairs: Scrutiny Chair, Cllr Tim Taylor Vice Chair, Cllr David Sanders Planning Chair, Cllr Tony Knight Vice Chair, Cllr Ian Melhuish Licensing Chair, Cllr Jenny Hill Vice Chair, Cllr Hugh Davies Local Development Panel Chair, Cllr Jon Freeman Vice Chair, Cllr Kate Kravis Audit Chair, Cllr Christopher White Vice Chair, Cllr Dave Westcott Standards Committee representatives are Cllr Hugh Davies, Cllr Jon Freeman and Cllr Dave Westcott.