Councillor speaks out

A LONG-STANDING councillor says he is ‘disappointed’ after being shuffled out of the county council cabinet.

At Hampshire County Council’s annual general meeting, new council leader Cllr Rob Humby announced his plans for a new cabinet team.

Most councillors kept hold of their former positions. But Cllr Stephen Reid has been removed from his position as executive member for performance andhumanresources,with the role given to Andover North’s Cllr Kirsty North.

He said: ‘The new leader selected his cabinet, and unfortunately I simply wasn’t part of his plans.

‘I am obviously disappointed because I have been on the cabinet for a decade, but I still wish him and his new team well.

‘I think I’ll end up being a backbencher, but that will free me up to broaden the areas I focus on.’