Cabinet reshuffle sees extraordinary meeting cancelled

The Leader of Powys County Council has quickly appointed two new members to the Cabinet following the resignation of two members yesterday, including one from Montgomery.

Cllr Stephen Hayes, who represents Montgomery, resigned from the Cabinet along with Cllr Martin Weale. Cllr Hayes was Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.

Councillor Myfanwy Alexander has been appointed as Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Councillor Phyl Davies, from Llanidloes is appointed as Cabinet Member for Education.

Cllr Alexander had faces criticism and a motion of no confidence as Cabinet Member for Education which she held up until today.

Cllr Alexander will retain responsibility for the Welsh Language.

Today's extraordinary meeting, which was due to hear the motion of no confidence, has been cancelled.

Further changes, including plans to increase the Cabinet to 10 Members, will be made in due course.

Councillor Rosemarie Harris said: "I am making these changes to my Cabinet today as it is important to have experienced members in these key posts so we can press ahead with the transformation of Education and Social Care."

The move by the Leader of the Independent-Conservative coalition comes just hours ahead of a planned special council meeting to consider a vote of no confidence in Cllr Alexander as Portfolio Holder for Education.

"The move is proposed by the Liberal Democrats Party. The meeting is now cancelled.