Opposition queries political make-up of council cabinet

DEVON County Council's new chair has been appointed in a vote that saw most of the biggest opposition party abstain.

- by BRADLEY GERRARD Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Caroline Leaver secured the position as chair, a largely ceremonial role that involves representing the council across the county.

The Liberal Democrat was the only nominee put forward for the position at the first full council meeting of the new administration, but when votes were taken, many Reform UK councillors abstained.

They largely did the same when it came to the vote for council leader, for which Lib Dem Cllr Julian Brazil was again the only nominee.

Reform’s Cllr Edward Hill said after the meeting that his party’s abstentions were related to what some feel is a lack of political representation on the cabinet.

The cabinet is the council’s main decision-making body, and while the 10-member entity does have a Green Party councillor - Totnes & Dartington member Cllr Jacqi Hodgson - no other parties are represented.

The previous administration, led by the Conservatives, only had Tory cabinet members.