AN UNEXPECTED County Hall cabinet re-shuffle has seen the Conservative politician in charge of Kent's 600-plus schools lose his job.

Canterbury county councillor John Simmonds has been sacked as KCC's cabinet member for education and is returning to the backbenches.

The shake-up in KCC's cabinet had not been predicted.

Cllr Simmonds said he was disappointed to be leaving his job and that had he been given the chance, would have wanted to continue.

He said: "There is a lot I still wanted to do and I think we made a lot of exciting progress since 2001 and I was proud to be part of it. I am very disappointed because I have thoroughly enjoyed the job."

He praised the work of senior officers, saying Kent was fortunate to have some of the leading experts in the field.

KCC leader Cllr Paul Carter, who had appointed Mr Simmonds to the cabinet after he masterminded his successful leadership bid, said: "These are vital posts in our Towards 2010 policy document as we strive to improve the education and training of all our young people in Kent.

"They are big and crucial jobs and I believe it is time to bring some fresh thinking into the cabinet team."

Cllr Simmonds will be replaced by Mark Dance, who represents Whitstable.

In another change, Dr Tony Robinson, the cabinet member for children and families from Tonbridge has been replaced by Chris Wells, who represents Broadstairs.