There are two new faces in a new look Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet announced today (Friday).

Council Leader, Councillor Jamie Adams, has named Councillor Rob Summons as Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability while Councillor Keith Lewis is given responsibility for Communities and the Voluntary Sector.

Councillor Sue Perkins, currently Cabinet Member for Safeguarding and Children’s Services, takes on the portfolio for Education and Safeguarding while Councillor Ken Rowlands (Education) steps down.

“I believe these changes will provide the Cabinet with more capacity to react to changes in service provision as we come to terms with budget cuts imposed by the Welsh Labour Government” said Councillor Adams.

He said that the role of Councillor Summons – who represents the Burton electoral division – would give planning the attention it deserved.

Councillor Adams added: “Planning is increasingly becoming a more contentious issue with much of the focus on new renewable energy.

“The appointment of Councillor Summons ensures the service, Council Members and the public continue to engage.”

The arrival of Councillor Lewis (Crymych) in the Cabinet allows Councillor Pugh to concentrate his attention exclusively on Economy and Tourism.

Councillor Adams explained: “Because of the depressed economic climate, there are naturally concerns about the future of the Pembrokeshire economy, involving not only some of our major employers, such as Murco, but also small businesses which are our life-blood.

“Although we have made progress in addressing some of these issues - such as town centre regeneration - I feel there is still much more to do and the Cabinet change will allow Councillor Pugh to focus on driving forward the County’s economy.

“The appointment of Councillor Lewis is an acknowledgment that the voluntary sector is growing in importance with regards to service provision.

“I believe the fact that he is also a Welsh speaker will help him engage effectively with communities across the county.”

Paying tribute to Councillor Rowlands, the Leader said: “He has been a Cabinet Member for the past six years, firstly with the Environmental and Regulatory Services portfolio and more recently with responsibility for Education.

“In that role - and in the face of fierce criticism of the Education service itself - Ken has been a successful advocate for change displaying vigour, determination and empathy and the fruits of his endeavour are there for all to see.

“He has overseen some significant improvements in the service, not least the introduction of a new senior management team. I am deeply grateful for his sterling service and convinced that he has provided a platform to improve outcomes for children.”

The full Cabinet is:

• Councillor Jamie Adams (Leader): Corporate Matters and Finance.

• Councillor Huw George (Deputy Leader): Environmental and Regulatory Services and Welsh Language.

• Councillor Rob Lewis (Deputy Leader): Transportation and Major Events.

• Councillor Simon Hancock: Adult Services, Health and Well-Being and Equalities.

• Councillor Keith Lewis: Communities and Voluntary Sector.

• Councillor Elwyn Morse: Culture, Sport and Leisure.

• Councillor Sue Perkins: Education and Safeguarding.

• Councillor David Pugh: Economy and Tourism.

• Councillor David Simpson: Housing

• Councillor Rob Summons: Planning and Sustainability.