"We're not much further forward" is the message from the Liberal Democrats after the new Warwickshire County Council cabinet was announced last week.

New leader Cllr Rob Howard announced the make-up of his top group of councillors last Friday (May 29), although one portfolio position still needs to be sorted.

Opposition parties were quick to criticise the fact no transport and portfolio holder has been announced by Reform UK - particularly with the "bridge to nowhere" project still yet to be completed.

And the Lib Dems - the largest opposition group - have also questioned why the four-minute meeting on Friday did not come with the new administration's plans for change at the council.

Group leader Cllr Jerry Roodhouse said: "We're not much further forward. 

"Residents have had to wait four weeks for this information, so it was very disappointing to get no information about Reform UK's plans for change. 

"Given the huge problems with major highways projects, such as the A46 Bridge To Nowhere and the need to renegotiate the council's highways maintenance contract, the absence of a transport and planning portfolio holder is a real failure of leadership. 

"It's also noted that responding to climate change in Warwickshire appears to have been removed from the terms of reference of any portfolio holder, all of whom are from the north of Warwickshire. 

advertisement

"Liberal Democrats on the county council will be holding the executive to account as the administration moves forward."  

Following Friday's announcements, Cllr Howard said: "I'm delighted to have appointed so many talented and willing individuals to work alongside me in leading this council. 

"With a vast array of real-world experience, managing budgets and delivering results, my cabinet stands ready to deliver the change Warwickshire needs."

As part of the cabinet appointments, Cllr George Finch has been officially made deputy leader of the council, having served as deputy leader of the local Reform group since the election.

He said: "It's an honour to be given such responsibility and a privilege to serve Warwickshire. 

"I look forward to working with every portfolio holder to deliver meaningful results and deliver on the electoral mandate we were given at the start of this month."