A SMATTERING of new faces and the installation of a new deputy leader are among changes to Conwy’s top team

Cllr Sam Rowlands, made the authority’s leader following the ousting of the previous leader, Cllr Gareth Jones, has unveiled his new cabinet, a coalition of conservative and independent members.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, who proposed Cllr Rowlands for the leadership has been made deputy leader, will look after economic development.

“This is a good council, we have an array of elected members with a range of talents and skills and a dedicated team of officers,” said Cllr Rowlands.

“In selecting my cabinet I’ve been very aware that we’ll need to pick up our pace, work even harder, and be very brave in our decision-making over the coming months.”

The cabinet welcomes fresh faces in the form of Cllr Greg Robbins, Cllr Julie Fallon, Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Cllr Chris Cater, Cllr Emma Leighton-Jones, Cllr Cheryl Carlisle is the only member to keep her previous portfolio of children and family social care with others moved to different roles.

The new cabinet is made up of Cllr Greg Robbins who will be responsible for environment and transportation; Cllr Mark Baker will look after heritage and culture; Cllr Julie Fallon will take on education; Cllr Charlie McCoubrey has the housing and regulatory brief; Cllr Goronwy Edwards becomes the deputy leader and has responsibility for economic development, Cllr Chris Cater will take on governance and performance; Cllr Louise Emery, has been given the role of adult and community social care; Cllr Emma Leighton-Jones assumes responsibility for modernisation, Cllr Cheryl Carlisle keeps her portfolio of children and family social care.

Cllr Rowlands added: “I intend to ensure this council delivers what it says it wants to do, and make sure our residents and their needs are at the forefront of what we deliver.”

Cllr Rowlands was voted in as leader at a special meeting of the full council on Monday June 3, following the previous leader, Cllr Jones, losing a vote of no confidence and stepping down as leader.