THE leader of Wyre Forest District Council has announced announced several changes to his cabinet membership.

Councillor Marcus Hart announced his new look team at a full council meeting held at Wyre Forest House last night (Wednesday, September 29).

Councillor Tracey Onslow has stood down to concentrate on her role as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, to which she was appointed after joining the cabinet in May. She remains a member of the district council.

Deputy Leader Councillor Ian Hardiman takes over the portfolio as cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration with immediate effect.

Councillor Rebecca Vale has been appointed as cabinet member for operational services. Councillor Vale represents the Wribbenhall & Arley ward and has been serving recently as vice chairman of the audit committee. She has given up the latter role on joining the cabinet.

Councillor Hart said: “I am very sorry to lose Tracey Onslow’s services from my cabinet but I understand and support her need to focus on her important role as the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia.

“My colleagues and I have valued her powerful contribution to the work of the cabinet since May and she leaves her portfolio in good shape for her successor.

“I wish her well for the future, and look forward to continuing a positive working relationship with her.

“I was delighted to invite Rebecca Vale to join the cabinet. She has played an effective part in the work of the council and its committees since her election and she has demonstrated that she has the knowledge and skills to make a contribution in a cabinet role.”

The rest of the cabinet will remain the same with Councillor Nathan Desmond staying as cabinet member for resources, Councillor Sally Chambers, cabinet member for health, well-being and housing and Councillor Sara Fearn, cabinet member for transformation and change.