The first meeting of Thanet council since the elections this month has been , concentrated on formally appointing the Leader and Deputy Leader and creating committees.
Councillor Rick Everitt was appointed as Leader while Councillor Helen Whitehead was appointed as Deputy Leader.
Cabinet and Shadow Cabinet portfolio holders were also confirmed at the session which saw many newly-elected councillors attending for the first time.
Following the elections held on Thursday 4 May, Labour secured 30 seats giving them an overall majority and control of the council. The results of the elections were 30 Labour; 17 Conservative; 5 Green; 3 Thanet Independent; 1 Independent.
In total there are 56 seats in Thanet representing 23 different wards across the district. Of the 56 elected members, 23 are newly-elected.
New Council Leader, Councillor Rick Everitt said: ”I am delighted to have been able to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic team to lead the new council.
“While this may be a majority administration, which has been a rarity in Thanet in recent years, we recognise that our duty is to advance the interests of all parts of the district and work hard for all residents. We will do so with humility, integrity and determination.”
During the meeting Cllr Everitt spoke of his respect for former leader Ash Ashbee, who lost her Westbrook seat, and Bob Bayford, who lost his seat in Kingsgate after 32 years of service.
Cllr Reece Pugh has taken on the role of Thanet Conservative party leader.
The Cabinet portfolio holders are:
Strategy and transformation Cllr Everitt (leader)
Housing Cllr Whitehead (deputy leader)
Cleansing and coastal Cllr Steve Albon
Corporate services Cllr Rob Yates
Neighbourhoods Cllr Heather Keen
Regeneration and property Cllr Ruth Duckworth
At the meeting, councillors were also appointed to serve on each of committees, including Planning, Overview and Scrutiny, Licensing and Standards.
The Council Chair is Cllr John Edwards and the Vice Chair is Cllr Debra Owen-Hughes.
