THE NEW leader and cabinet of the Vale of Glamorgan Council has been announced.

Cllr John Thomas has been appointed as leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council following a vote at the Council’s Annual General Meeting last night (May 24) Alongside cllr Thomas, cllr Hunter Jarvie has been named deputy leader of the xouncil.

The cabinet member for regeneration and planning will be cllr Jonathan Bird, cllr Bob Penrose has been appointed as the cabinet member for learning and culture, while cllr Andrew Parker will serve as cabinet member for housing and building.

The cabinet member for social care, health and leisure is cllr Gordon Kemp, with cllr Geoffrey Cox assuming the position of cabinet member for neighbourhood services and transport.

Following the meeting cllr Thomas said:"To be elected as leader of the council is a great honour.

"My cabinet colleagues and I are determined to deliver for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan.

"The new cabinet brings a wealth of professional and political experience to the council and will provide the leadership needed to develop services fit for the 21st century.  "This will be a council that not only delivers high quality public services but does so in a manner that places local people at the heart of the decision making process.

"Our initial focus will be on the Vale’s transport network.

"A thorough review and reappraisal of the county’s infrastructure will begin shortly, with close attention being paid to the eastern Vale.

"We will also move quickly to improve the way in which the council supports our town centres and local businesses.

"Beyond the Vale, I will be working to ensure that this council plays a leading role in shaping initiatives such as the Cardiff City Deal, to make sure that the area receives the funding it deserves from Welsh Government and other agencies."

Cllr Penrose said: "Personally, I only want what is best for the residents of my ward of Sully and Lavernock, and for the residents the Vale of Glamorgan overall.

"Accordingly, I decided to enter a coalition with the Conservatives in their group, but I will retain my Independent status and I have not joined the Conservative Party.

"For me to work with the Conservatives in the administration of the Vale of Glamorgan Council it is necessary for me to be involved in the decision making of the cabinet.

"I will not only be involved in decision making of the authority generally, but I will also be working with the director of learning and skills, the head teachers and their staff in the continued performance monitoring and planning of our schools, Libraries and all places of education and culture."

The new mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan was announced as cllr Janice Charles at the same meeting.

Cllr Charles will be supported during her year in office by cllr Leighton Rowlands as deputy mayor.