The resignation of a Suffolk councillor from his cabinet position has prompted the first shake-up of roles since a new style of governance was adopted.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mid Suffolk leader Nick Gowrley said the cabinet model was working well. Picture: PAUL GEATERMid Suffolk leader Nick Gowrley said the cabinet model was working well. Picture: PAUL GEATER (Image: Archant)

David Whybrow stepped down from his role as planning cabinet member earlier in the summer due to personal reasons.

As of Monday, July 16, his role has been take up by Wetheringsett Conservative councillor Glen Horn.

Elsewhere in the cabinet, Stonhams ward councillor Suzie Morley took up the position of cabinet member for organisational delivery, with her role as lead member for customer access merged into that position.

Mr Whybrow remains a councillor for the Ringshall ward.

Nick Gowrley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, praised the work of Mr Whybrow during his time in post.

He said: “We’re into the second year of our cabinet model of governance, and the first major changes.

“Councillor David Whybrow asked to step down for personal reasons – David has put in an immense amount of work into the planning portfolio, and has successfully rebuilt our five year housing land supply.

“I’d like to thank David for everything he has done for the district and his dedication to duty that drove him to stay in post until the land supply was resolved.”

The leader and cabinet model consists of a leader, usually from the largest party, who then appoints the other members to a series of positions, and replaced the old committee and portfolio holder version in May 2017.

Mr Gowrley said he was happy with how the new system had been working.

“The cabinet model is proving an excellent way to make sure the council’s leadership is both strong and flexible enough to meet the challenges we face, yet accountable to all members,” he said.

At Babergh District Council, former deputy leader Simon Barrett has returned to a cabinet role by taking on the responsibility for economy.

Mr Barrett left the cabinet last year after a power struggle with then-leader Jennie Jenkins, and has been a vocal backbench councillor since then.

All the new cabinet members are expected to be present for this week’s cabinet meetings.