Shepway's Cabinet Reshuffle: One Week After AGM!

Shepway District Council Leader, Robert Bliss, has made changes to the Conservative Cabinet - just seven days after announcing his cabinet to the Council's AGM! The re-shuffle moves some responsibilities and sees Malcolm Dearden promoted to the cabinet, and Shirley Newlands leave it. Rory Love loses the key environment and parking portfolio,

Lib Dem District Councillor Tim Prater has questioned the move, coming so soon after the Council's AGM. He said:

"Last year the Conservatives increased the size of the cabinet from 7 to 10 members, costing local taxpayers over £100,000 over the next four years. Now there is a significant reshuffle just DAYS after announcing the cabinet's make-up to the Council.

"This move treats Council with contempt, and seems to be yet another example of a Hokey-cokey cabinet with people moved in and out of positions all the time. Cllr Bliss should explain why he chose to sneak this change out now, rather than announce it and explain it properly to Councillors last week."

Cllr Bliss retains responsibilities for overall strategy and leadership with Cllr David Monk remaining as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance.

Malcolm Dearden joins the Cabinet as member for Economic Development and Transport, which includes the parking strategy.

Cllr Rory Love takes over revenues and benefits. Cllr William Richardson takes on additional responsibilities as Cabinet Member for Technical Services and Environmental Health.

Cllr Alan North has been given a new role. Previously responsible for revenues and benefits, he is now Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, including parks and open spaces, waste and recycling, street cleaning, toilets and beach management.

Cllr Carole Waters, as well as her Cabinet responsibilities for leisure, sport and arts, takes on a new role which covers children and young people.

Cllr Shirley Newlands leaves the Cabinet but remains chairman of the council's statutory licensing committee.

The full Cabinet is:

• Robert Bliss - Leader and Cabinet Member for Overall Strategy and Leadership
• David Monk - Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance
• Carole Waters - Sport and Culture
• Hugh Barker - Planning and Community Safety
• Keren Belcourt - Housing
• Pamela Carr - Customer Services
• Rory Love - Revenues and Benefits
• Malcolm Dearden - Economic Development and Transport
• Alan North - Environmental Services
• William Richardson - Technical and Environmental Health