Clair Bell has been appointed cabinet member of adult social care and public health at Kent County Council.

Cllr Bell replaces Graham Gibbens who moves up to become the county council's vice chairman, succeeding Ann Allen MBE.

First elected to KCC in 2017 for Ashford Rural East Division, Mrs Bell has served on the Environment and Transport, Scrutiny, Personnel, Flood Risk Management and Electoral and Boundary Review committees.

The adult social care and public health portfolio includes residential and home care, support for people with learning disabilities, adult safeguarding and mental health and community wellbeing services.

Cllr Bell, from Benenden Road, Biddenden, said: “It is an honour to be appointed to the role. I am looking forward to working with our excellent officer team, partners in health and the voluntary sector and members across the council to shape and deliver modern social care and public health services to our residents, meeting the rising demands of the 21st century.”

Cllr Gibbens was first elected to KCC in June 2001 for Canterbury City North. He has been cabinet member for adult social care since 2009.

He said: “It has been a great opportunity over the last ten years to improve the quality of life for people who are elderly, socially isolated or have social care needs.

“I look forward in my new role to continue to support the interests of the most vulnerable in our community."