NEW faces now hold powerful roles within Bromsgrove District Council.

Norton councillor Dennis Norton (Con) is the authority's latest leader and Cllr Rita Taylor (Con - Barnt Green) is deputy leader.

The new team was elected at the council's annual meeting on Tuesday May 7 and replaces former leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con - Norton) and deputy leader Terri Matthews (Con - Furlongs).

Cllr Norton has been a district councillor for three years, and is a well known community member.

He is married and lives in Broad Green with his wife, Pauline. She is a member of Worcestershire County Council.

Cllr Norton is increasing the number of cabinet members from five to six.

"That will leave me free to run and oversee the cabinet and the council," he said.

He has selected Cllr Taylor as cabinet member responsible for planning policy, Cllr Margaret Oliver (Con - Hagley) will represent environmental health, Cllr Craig Lanham (Con - Norton) will be responsible for finance and Cllr Jill Dyer (Con - Drakes Cross) is the new housing portfolio holder.

The leisure cabinet member will be appointed shortly.

Cllr David Hancox (Con - Uffdown and Waseley) was elected chairman and Cllr John Tidmarsh (Con - Stoke Prior) became vice-chairman.

Cllr Peter McDonald (Lab -- Uffdown and Waseley) was re-elected leader of the opposition Labour party.