WYRE Forest District Council is to adopt the leader and cabinet model of political management, pending approval by the Government.

The move follows two official periods of consultation which saw an overwhelming three out of four people voting in favour of the most nationally popular system, rather than for the alternative models of a mayor with cabinet, or a mayor and council manager.

The council, which has been experimenting with the leader and cabinet system since last May, will submit proposals by the end of this month to the new Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. It is hoped it could be formally adopted from September 1.

The district council's new executive will consist of eight members from the ruling four party group coalition. Seven members, known as portfolio holders, will each lead on specific areas of responsibility.

These are: Councillor Mike Oborski, policy and review; Councillor Ken Stokes, community life; Councillor Dick Barton, finance with information and communication technology; Councillor Brian Glass, community health and safety; Councillor Irene Dolan, social housing and property; Councillor Steve Roberts, environment and development, and Councillor Pauline Hayward, transport and traffic.

Under the system, decisions taken by the cabinet can be called in by corresponding overview and scrutiny committees.

Council leader Mike Oborski said: "The political complexion of the council is unique within the country, being made up of six political groups.

"The presence and practical co-operation of four of those groups on the executive demonstrates the inclusive cross-party nature of Wyre Forest politics and the willingness to embrace modernising reforms for the benefit of local people."