THERE are new faces in the cabinet of Durham County Council following Albert Nugent's appointment as leader to replace Ken Manton.

The new ten-strong cabinet sees Brian Walker, former cabinet member for business and tourism, become deputy leader, the post held by Don Ross, who died recently.

Removed from the cabinet are Neil Foster, children's services, which covers education, and Christine Smith, who was responsible for adult social care and health, which includes care of the elderly.

Coun Foster is replaced by the council's youngest member, Stanley mother-of-two Claire Vasey, a worker with Sure Start, and John Davies, who represents Benfieldside, near Consett, who takes Coun Smith's portfolio.

Blackhall member Alan Cox gets business and tourism and Consett North councillor Clive Robson takes responsibility for communities. Other posts are Bob Pendelbury, transport and sustainability; Brian Myers, waste management; Michele Hodgson, safeguarding children; Dennis Morgan, organisational change and improvement.