Rutland County Council has a new deputy leader.

Coun Lucy Stephenson has taken on the role after Coun Gordon Brown stood down as Deputy Council Leader.

From Monday March 1, the Uppingham Conservative will take over as Deputy Leader.

Coun Stephenson will remain Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, Environment, Highways & Transportation & Road Safety, a responsibility transferred to her in September 2020.

Coun Karen Payne will be joining Cabinet from Wednesday 24 February and will become Portfolio Holder for Finance. The Planning Portfolio will transfer to Coun Oliver Hemsley from the same date.

At the end of January, Coun Gordon Brown announced he would be stepping down from his role in Cabinet and Deputy Leader for health reasons.

Coun Brown will step down from Cabinet on 23 March, until then he will be supporting the transition of his duties. During this time he will remain responsible for Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Coun Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: "I am looking forward to working with Coun Stephenson and Coun Payne in their new roles as Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance.

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"I thank Coun Brown for his support and dedication as my Deputy, his contribution to Council business will continue through his many Council Committee memberships."