THE leader of North Yorkshire County Council has announced a reshuffle of the authority’s executive after a long serving member stepped down.

Coun John Weighell told members at the council’s annual meeting that it was an ideal opportunity to take stock and give members the chance of taking up a fresh portfolio. Coun Weighell paid tribute to Coun Caroline Patmore who has been the lead executive member for children’s services for the last nine years and who is retiring from the post.

He said:" We are mid-term through a very tough period of office when we are having to make decisions which ensure we continue to deliver outstanding services while making necessary savings. This seemed like the ideal time to give members the opportunity to take on fresh responsibilities."

Coun Carl Les has been made deputy leader of the council and also takes on Coun Patmore’s responsibilities for children’s services. He replaces Coun John Watson as deputy, who will now be responsible for financial services, assets, IT and procurement.