THE new leader of Herefordshire Council has announced changes to the authority's cabinet.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, who took over earlier this month, will continue to direct the council’s corporate policy and strategy and have overall budget responsibility.

Councillor Roger Phillips will, meanwhile, support the Leader’s national relationships, such as with the Local Government Association and County Council Network.

And the outgoing leader, councillor Tony Johnson, will support regional relationships, such as with the Midlands Engine.

Councillor Nigel Shaw will step up to Deputy Leader and represent the Leader of the Council in his absence.

This will be in addition to his role as Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing and Corporate Services with a breadth of responsibility from leading the revenue and capital budget setting process, to wide-ranging corporate issues such as legal and democratic services, human resources and health and safety.

The Cabinet Member for Young People and Children’s Wellbeing will be Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, who will focus on her responsibility for children and young people’s wellbeing, safeguarding, education and attainment.

And councillor David Harlow will continue as Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications with a focus on economic development and regeneration, and will now be supported by Councillor Jon Johnson.

Coun Lester said cabinet changes have been kept to a minimum to "reflect the good work achieved by Members in the lead up to my election".