TWO veteran councillors will not be part of Labour’s new cabinet.

Both former Education cabinet member Diana Hale, and Gerard Rice, who headed up Crime and Disorder, were not in the new line up announced by John Kent on Wednesday.

Budget savings pushed through by the Tories in March meant that councillor Kent had to cut the number of portfolio holders from ten down to eight.

Councillor Kent said he took cllr Hale out of the cabinet due to her ill-health, but said he hoped she would play a “pivotal strategic role” again in the future.

He said: “Diana who has been a tremendous support to me personally for the many years of our friendship. She faces a difficult time as she fights for her health. She’s done it successfully in the past and I’d like to assure her that we are all behind her wishing her the best for the future.

“Diana’s deep devotion to Thurrock and the people who live here is beyond question and I look forward to the time when she can play a pivotal strategic role again in the future.”

Speaking about cllr Rice, who will now sit as the council’s representative on the Essex Police Authority instead, he added: “Gerard Rice has also shown long term commitment to Thurrock and the people who live here.

“The scale of the proposed changes to policing mean that Gerard’s role here will be crucial during the year ahead.”

Cllr Kent appointed Val Morris Cook as his deputy leader again.

John Kent will keep strategy and finance as his portfolio, Val Morris-Cook will stick with the Environment, as will Lynn Worrall with community culture and leisure, and Andy Smith with housing and regeneration.

Tony Fish has also kept his portfolio, adult social care.

Oliver Gerrish will switch from central services to education, and Barbara Rice will take on new mayor Charlie Curtis’ portfolio children’s services.

Phil Smith, making a return to the council after defeat in last year’s local elections, will be responsible for central services.