Bath and North East Somerset Council has announced a Cabinet reshuffle this week, after reports that four senior members have resigned. Councillors Anthony Clarke (Transport and Highways), Patrick Anketell-Jones (Economic Development), Michael Evans (Children’s Services) and Liz Richardson (Homes and Planning), are now no longer in their roles, with rumours now circulating over internal disagreements over the East of Bath Park and Ride site proposal. The issue divided the city and some have surmised, cost former Conservative MP, Ben Howlett, his seat in the recent election.

B&NES Council maintains that Leader of the Council, Tim Warren, (Conservative, Mendip), has simply undertaken a mid-term change to the Cabinet team to bring additional ideas and retain existing experience.

Michael Evans has been replaced by Councillor Paul May (Conservative, Publow and Whitchurch), for Children and Young People’s Services, Patrick Anketell-Jones’ successor in Economic and Community Regeneration is Paul Myers (Midsomer Norton Redfield), Anthony Clarke’s role, having been the spokesperson for the new East of Bath Park and Ride plans, will be taken on by Mark Shelford (Lyncombe) and Liz Richardson’s role will be taken on by Bob Goodman (Combe Down) for Development (housing) as of Monday this week.

This leaves Councillor Charles Gerrish (Keynsham North) in post under Finance and Efficiency, Cllr Vic Pritchard (Chew Valley South) in Adult Care and Health, Cllr Martin Veal (Bathavon North), Community Services and Cllr Karen Warrington (Clutton) in Policy and Transformation.

Labour’s spokesperson for Education, Liz Hardman (Paulton) has criticised the lack of women added to the Cabinet, noting that there are actually more ‘Pauls’ than female Councillors in place.

Speaking on Monday this week, Leader of the Council, Tim Warren, said: “My aim in updating the Cabinet is to bring new energy and thinking on to the team, whilst retaining experience.

“The Cabinet’s core aims are to ensure that Bath and North East Somerset Council is efficient and well run, invests in the future of the area, and puts the interests of its residents first. Our priorities continue to be delivering new homes and jobs, improving local transport, investing in our young people, supporting cleaner, greener and healthier communities, and promoting greater choice and independence for older people.

“I would like to give my sincere thanks to previous Cabinet Members, as they have made an enormous contribution to the Administration over the last two years, for which I am extremely grateful.”

Speaking to The Journal this week, Councillor Paul Myers, who is also the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, spoke about his new role within the local authority. He said: “Taking on the Economic and Community Regeneration portfolio is a really exciting challenge for me personally and I would like to think I can bring a lot to the role. I have a degree in business, thirty years’ experience in a wide range of companies, and have been active in my local Chamber of Commerce for nearly a decade. For me, the focus will be on creating the conditions for businesses to thrive across every part of Bath and North East Somerset.”