West Berkshire Council's new executive team announced

Councillors on West Berkshire Council have been given their roles for the coming year.

The chairman is Rick Jones (Con, Tilehurst and Purley) with Alan Law (Con, Basildon) as vice chair.

The chairman is the formal representative of West Berkshire Council.

The role also officiates at civic functions and welcomes VIPs to the district.

The nine councillors on the execcutive, which takes key decisions, have also been announced.

Each councillor has responsibility for a specific area, or portfolio, and they were confirmed by council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) at the council's annual meeting last week.

"The next year will be an incredibly busy time as we continue to support communities and our economy to recover from the pandemic, deliver on our environmental commitments and protect our most vulnerable residents," she said.

"There is lots to do and I am pleased that on the executive we have a wealth of experience, ideas and energy to continue making a difference for communities across our district."

Councillor Graham Bridgman (Con, Burghfield and Mortimer) remains as deputy leader and retains his health and wellbeing portfolio on the executive.

Councillor Tom Marino (Con, Tilehurst and Purley) has been appointed to the executive for the first time since he was elected in 2019, picking up the internal governance and strategic partnerships portfolio.

Joanne Stewart (Con, Tilehurst Birch Copse) retains adult social care, while Dominic Boeck (Con, Aldermaston) stays with children, young people and education.

Richard Somner (Con, Tilehurst South and Holybrook) stays at planning, transport and countryside; Steve Ardagh-Walter (Con, Thatcham Colthrop and Crookham) at environment and transformation; and Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield) at finance and economic development.

Elsewhere, Howard Woollaston (Con, Lambourn) adds housing to his existing leisure and culture portfolio.

Councillor Hilary Cole, (Con, Chieveley and Cold Ash) has stepped down from the executive after 13 years of service.

At the meeting, Hilary Cole, Jeremy Cottam (Lib Dem, Thatcham North East) and Alan Law (Con, Basildon) were recognised for 15 years' service, and Graham Pask (Con, Bucklebury) was recognised for 35 years' service.