COUNCILLOR Jill Shortland has been elected leader of Somerset County Council, succeeding Cllr Cathy Bakewell MBE, who has been leader since June 2001.

Cllr Bakewell, who has been planning for some time not to run for another term as Leader of Somerset County Council, will continue to represent her Coker ward in Yeovil constituency but will not serve on Somerset County Council's Executive Committee.

Cllr Shortland, member for Chard South, takes up the position of Leader of Somerset County Council as well as Chairman of the Executive Committee. Cllr Shortland is currently working with colleagues to finalise a new Portfolio line-up that will be announced shortly.

Cllr Shortland inherits a legacy which sees Somerset County Council rated as an Four Star' Authority, the highest possible rating; a Three Star' Adult Social Care service, the highest possible rating; a Youth Service rated as Outstanding' with endorsements from the Audit Commission that the Council achieves Good Value for Money' and is Improving Well'.

Leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr Jill Shortland said, "I want to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership that Cathy has provided Somerset County Council during her tenure. She has presided over a Council that now has accolades in abundance and has achieved the highest possible rating of Four Stars'. She leaves a glowing legacy of excellence that I am determined that we will maintain and continue to build on."

Cllr Shortland added: "Personally, I am deeply honoured to have been nominated as Leader of Somerset County Council. I will be striving to complete the Council's vision of achieving a Unitary Council for Somerset. This offers a unique opportunity to pursue a model of local government that provides the framework to deliver the services that Somerset residents want. We will also continue to deliver the people's priorities, namely action on climate change, transport developments, recycling improvements and excellence in education provision."

Cllr Bakewell said: "I know that Jill and the new Executive have the talent and skills to continue to deliver the outstanding services that our staff provide for the people of Somerset. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the people of Somerset as the Leader of the County Council. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Leader and I know I leave the Council in safe hands."