Hipsey retains charge of Thurrock Council but there are Cabinet changes

4:12pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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THURROCK Conservatives have selected a new look cabinet after securing control of the authority for the next two years at the recent elections.

Councillor Terry Hipsey was re-elected unopposed as leader of the Tory group and he will also administer the portfolios of regeneration and finance.

Susan MacPherson remains as deputy leader, though she has switched portfolio from housing to children's services, following the decision by veteran councillor Mike Revell not to seek a return to that office.

He did stand for deputy mayor, but in an election that also featured former leader Anne Cheale he lost out to Stifford Clays councillor Maureen Pearce, who will stand as deputy to new mayor John Everett.

The housing portfolio now goes to Tunde Ojetola, who is replaced at highways by Neil Rockcliffe, a newcomer to the Cabinet.

Councillor Ben Maney continues with public protection, as does Amanda Arnold in adult social care. Councillor Garry Hague is in charge of strategic planning, councillor Joy Redsell community, culture and leisure - a portfolio vacated by Gareth Davies who lost his West Thurrock seat in the election - and other newcomers to the Cabinet are Barry Johnson who will be responsible for central services and Stephen Veryard who steps up from non-Cabinet position as chair of planning to become responsible for environmental services.

Stuart St Clair-Haslam will take over the planning committee chair.