CLLR Peter Thornton has today been appointed deputy leader of Cumbria County Council.

Mr Thornton, of Longsleddale, has also recently taken over as leader of the Liberal Democrat Group.

It follows the death last month of Cllr Ian Stewart, of Arnside. The appointment was made by council leader Stewart Young at a full meeting of the county council in Kendal. Cllr Stewart has also appointed Cllr Patricia Bell to the cabinet.

The new Cabinet will comprise the following members and portfolios:

Cllr Stewart Young (Labour), Leader of the Council

Cllr Peter Thornton (Liberal Democrat), Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance

Cllr Anne Burns (Labour), Children`s Services (Statutory Lead Member for Children`s Services)

Cllr Sue Sanderson (Liberal Democrat), Schools and Learning

Cllr Patricia Bell (Liberal Democrat), Health and Care Services

Cllr Keith Little (Labour), Highways and Transport

Cllr Deborah Earl (Labour), Public Health and Community Services

Cllr Celia Tibble (Labour), Environment

Cllr David Southward (Labour), Economic Development and Property

Cllr Janet Willis (Liberal Democrat), Customer Services, Transformation and Community Safety