CHANGES have been made at Durham County Council with two new faces appointed to the cabinet.

At the council’s annual meeting on Wednesday, council leader, Simon Henig, announced the new roles.

For the first time, the council’s cabinet now has an equal split of male and female members.

Councillor Andrea Patterson, who represents Crook, was named as cabinet member for new post Corporate Services and Rural Issues. This portfolio covers customer services, human resources, member development, ICT and digital issues.

She will also serve as the council’s ‘Rural Champion”.

Cllr Angela Surtees, who serves the Easington ward, became the authority’s new cabinet member for Social Inclusion. Filling the shoes of former cabinet member, Jane Brown, she will take on responsibility for carers, equality and diversity, the humanitarian support partnership, welfare reform and welfare rights.

The cabinet changes also include new responsibilities for several serving cabinet members.

Coun Carl Marshall continues as cabinet member for Economic Regeneration with added responsibility for leisure services and climate change.

Coun Kevin Shaw will keep his portfolio for Strategic Housing and Assets but also takes on responsibility for parks and allotments.

While Coun Joy Allen’s title changed to cabinet member for Transformation, Culture and Tourism with archives, events, culture, arts and tourism added to her portfolio.

The full list of cabinet members for 2019/20 

Council leader: Simon Henig

Deputy leader and cabinet member for Finance: Alan Napier

Social Inclusion: Coun Angela Surtees

Transformation, Culture and Tourism: Joy Allen

Corporate Services and Rural Issues: Andrea Patterson

Strategic Housing and Assets: Kevin Shaw

Neighbourhoods and Local Partnerships: Brian Stephens

Children and Young People’s Services: Olwyn Gunn

Economic Regeneration: Carl Marshall

Adult and Health Services: Lucy Hovvels