The members of the new Braintree Council executive have been announced.

Graham Butland will be reappointed as leader and has named nine other councillors in his cabinet.

Wendy Schmitt will continue as deputy leader and member for environment and place with Robert Mitchell as her deputy.

Other portfolios have been refreshed to reflect the priorities of the council and the district.

Tom Cunningham is now cabinet member for economic development.

John McKee will be responsible for corporate services and asset management.

The finance and performance brief goes to David Bebb while Joanne Beavis has the health and communities portfolio.

Peter Tattersley will return as her deputy while Lady Patricia Newton also returns to cover planning and housing.

Lynette Bowers-Flint will be her deputy.

Lyn Walters is set to become the new chairman of the council while Frankie Ricci will be the new vice chairman.

Mr Butland said: “I am confident that we have built a strong and effective team to lead the council over the next four years and that we have brought together experienced members and some new faces who I know will take this authority forward and deliver positive outcomes for residents and businesses.

“We have a smaller number of members now, and we are able to make savings as a result of this, but we are ambitious and committed to creating a district which is a great place to live and work in, and to being a council that delivers great services, value for money, and supports sustainable economic growth and new homes.

“I believe that we are a robust, efficient local authority and I know that we will all be working hard to represent the people of the Braintree district.”