by political editor Paul Francis

A cabinet reshuffle at County Hall has seen surprise returns to the top team for three senior councillors and the demise of one of its longest-standing members.

KCC leader Paul Carter has followed the Conservative election victory with a swift and wide-ranging shake-up to the cabinet.

It sees a rehabilitation for the man he sacked two years ago as the politician in charge of schools. The reshuffle also sees a return for another who left just last year citing work commitments.

It is the return of Cllr John Simmonds that is the most notable change. He fell out spectacularly with his leader after being sacked in 2007, comparing him to Captain Marvel. Now the Canterbury councillor has been handed one of key jobs as cabinet member for finance.

But the veteran County Hall politician Cllr Keith Ferrin, who was in charge of roads, leaves the 10-strong cabinet after more than a decade.

His job has gone to Cllr Nick Chard, who moves from finance. He said: "I am delighted. I wanted a new challenge and looking after our roads is clearly a priority with lots of people."

In another return to the Conservative frontbench, Cllr Sarah Hohler - a former deputy leader of the authority - has been handed the key job of looking after children’s services, a directorate that previously two cabinet members.

She replaces Cllr Leyland Ridings, who stepped in after the departure of Cllr Chris Wells last summer.

The shake-up marks a return for Roger Gough, who quit last year saying he wanted to devote more time to his job as the research director of policy exchange.

Cllr Carter said: "I look forward to us working together as a cohesive force to continue building momentum on our successful track record over the last 12 years at County Hall. We must continue to deliver improved customer focussed services at less cost."

~ Paul Francis blogs on the changes >>>

The full KCC cabinet line-up is as follows:

Alex King: Deputy Leader, Localism and Partnerships

Graham Gibbens: Adult Social Services

Sarah Hohler: Children, Families and Education

Mike Hill: Communities

Roger Gough: Corporate Support Services and Performance Management

Nick Chard: Environment, Highways and Waste

John Simmonds: Finance

Alan Marsh: Public Health and Health Reform

Kevin Lynes: Regeneration & Supporting Independence