The council's Labour Group has announced its shadow cabinet line up for the next municipal year (12 May).

The Group's leader Coun. James Alexander said members of his shadow team reflected his wish for experience, and the desire to build on the good work of his colleagues in holding Executive members to account. He said:

"Obviously I will take on the leader and economic development portfolio, with Coun. Roger Pierce taking on the Children and Young People's portfolio in place of Coun. Helen Douglas, who has opted to stand down. All other post holders will remain the same, and I look forward to working with the Shadow team both in using its members' collective years of experience, but also in showing the electorate how we will offer an alternative to the failing Lib Dem administration.

"The Lib Dems have relied on Conservatives in recent years to get decisions through, and it appears with the national picture as it is, that that bond could be set to continue locally.

"I'm convinced we have the right team to provide an effective opposition, one that is critical where appropriate, and critical in a constructive way. Local Labour will demonstrate to the electorate over the next 12 months why it should be elected to run this council, and the Shadow team will be at the forefront of meeting that challenge. The continuity will help those relationships already built with council officers over recent months, and in some cases, years.

"I want to thank both David Scott and Helen Douglas for the contributions they have made over the period of time they have been part of the Shadow Executive".

Deputy leader Coun. Tracey Simpson-Laing said:

"I am pleased as Deputy Leader to endorse the new Shadow line up and I look forward to working with James and shadow members on the challenges before us. I am also pleased to have retained my previous portfolio. I look forward to working with the new Shadow cabinet to rid the city of this Lib Dem administration which has made so many major mistakes since 2003".

The new Shadow line up consists of:

James Alexander: Leader and Economic Development
Tracey Simpson-Laing: Deputy Leader and Housing and Adult Social Services
Ruth Potter: City Strategy
Ken King: Neighbourhood Services
Sonja Crisp: Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion
Julie Gunnell: Corporate Services
Roger Pierce: Children and Young People