AN UNEXPECTED cabinet reshuffle at County Hall has brought mixed fortunes for two Kent county councillors.

Conservative county councillor Roger Gough, who represents the Darent Valley division in Sevenoaks, has been promoted to the key decision-making body for the first time to become the member for regeneration and supporting independence.

He replaces Cllr Graham Gibbens, from Canterbury. He is moving to a newly-created role as cabinet member for public health.

Mr Gough said: "We need to lobby the Government hard for the proper infrastructure that will be needed as the county grows."

In other changes, Sevenoaks colleague Peter Lake has been dropped from the cabinet after a five-year stint. His job has gone to Dr Tony Robinson, from Tonbridge.

* Full story in this week's Kent Messenger.