THE Leader of Buckinghamshire County Council has shuffled his Cabinet for the new financial year.

Cllr Martin Tett has split the Planning and Transportation portfolio after deciding the role was 'too big and complex' for one councillor alone.

It follows a select committee report on Transport for Buckinghamshire and the challenges arising from the winter flooding.

Cllr Lesley Clarke has absorbed the planning portfolio into her existing role as Cabinet Member for Environment.

As part of the reshuffle, Cllr Janet Blake has been replaced as Cabinet Member for Transportation by Ivor Cllr Ruth Vigor-Hedderly.

Cllr Bill Bendyshe-Brown, member for The Risboroughs, has been appointed Deputy Cabinet Member for Education.

BCC’s Leader Cllr Tett said: "I would like to thank Janet Blake for her excellent contribution to Planning and Transportation over the past year.

“I warmly welcome Ruth Vigor-Hedderly and Bill Bendyshe-Brown to their roles and wish them the very best in their new, challenging jobs."