CONSERVATIVE Cllr John Williams was re-elected leader of Taunton Deane Council at the authority’s annual meeting last Thursday.

Mr Williams is meeting council chief executive Penny James to set out his priorities.

Other members of the executive are deputy leader Mark Edwards, planning policy and transportation/communications; Jane Warmington, community leadership; Vivienne Stock-Williams, corporate resources; Norman Cavill, economic development and the arts; Ken Hayward, environmental services; Jean Adkins, housing services; Catherine Herbert, leisure, arts and culture.

Former leader Cllr Ross Henley (LibDem) will chair the corporate scrutiny committee.

Mr Williams said: “I’m committed to working with all members of the council to deliver better services at less cost for the community we serve.

“We have a major programme ahead of us, planning the growth and development of Taunton Deane, ensuring the council delivers its services in the most efficient manner and that we continue delivering effective front line services that the community needs or wants.”

He said the council was committed to improving recycling, building a new swimming pool to replace the one in St James Street and bringing superfast broadband to the district.”