THANET’S newly-elected Conservative council has announced its cabinet structure.

Leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel will head the cabinet with deputy leader Bob Bayford and they will have joint responsibility for regeneration, economic development, including the harbours and the port at Ramsgate, plus major projects such as the Kent Innovation Centre and the Thanet university campus.

A newly created cabinet portfolio of finance will be handled by Cllr Martin Wise, while long-serving Cllr Bill Peppiatt will oversee information technology and e-commerce.

Cllr Jeffrey Kirkpartick takes over the high profile portfolio of the island’s tourism and leisure development, Cllr John Kirby is cabinet member for planning, Cllr Charles Hibberd has the housing brief and Cllr Ingrid Spencer will oversee community services and the environment.

The chairman elect of the council is Cllr Bill Hayton and Cllr Dennis Payne has been nominated as his vice chairman.