A cabinet reshuffle at Kent County Council has seen a shake-up following the Conservative rout at the recent election.

KCC leader Paul Carter has re-organised the authority’s key decision-making body with one new member and the appointment of a new deputy leader.

Cllr Peter Oakford, who was the politician in charge of children’s specialist services and represents Tunbridge Wells North, has become the new deputy leader. He will also take on a new role as cabinet member for strategic commissioning and public health.

Cllr John Simmonds, Canterbury North, relinquishes the job of deputy leaderbut retains his role as cabinet member for finance.

Cllr Susan Carey, becomes cabinet member for customers, communications and performance. The councillor represents Elham Valley.

And the long-standing councillor Eric Hotson, Maidstone Rural South, becomes cabinet member for corporate and democratic services, replacing Cllr Gary Cooke.

The other cabinet positions remain as they were. They are:

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care - Graham Gibbens

Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education - Roger Gough

Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste - Matthew Balfour

Cabinet Member for Economic Development - Mark Dance

Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services - Mike Hill