POWYS COUNCIL leader Cllr Rosemarie Harris has reshuffled her cabinet with one member stepping down and another seemingly axed.

The cabinet is now down to eight portfolio holders, five from the Independent group and three Conservatives.

It is understood that Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson who held the housing and countryside services portfolio has stepped down due to personal reasons.

But the reasons behind former Highways Cabinet Portfolio holder, Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick's departure are unexplained.

Council Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris said: “Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson’s decision to step down from the cabinet has given me an opportunity to reshuffle the Cabinet.

"The new Portfolio areas will help us to provide stability, and clear leadership for the authority over the next four years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick for his time and dedication to the cabinet.

"His experience will be missed.”

Highways has now been added to Cllr Phyl Davies' portfolio, with Housing being given to Cllr James Evans and Countryside being given to Deputy Leader and Conservative group Leader Cllr Aled Davies on top of his Finance portfolio.

Cllr James Evans' former role, looking after Human Resources, Information Communications Technology (ICT) and Communication seems to have been scrapped with no mention of the departments now being made by the Council.

When asked if had been sacked from the cabinet, Cllr Liam Fitzpatrick, had no comment to make.

The Council's Cabinet as it stands:

Cllr Rosemarie Harris – Leader of Powys County Council

Cllr Aled Davies – Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance, Countryside & Transport

Cllr Rachel Powell – Portfolio Holder for Young People & Culture

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander – Portfolio Holder for Learning and Welsh Language

Cllr Martin Weale – Portfolio Holder for the Economy & Planning

Cllr Phyl Davies – Portfolio Holder for Highways, Recycling & Assets

Cllr Stephen Hayes – Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care

Cllr James Evans – Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Housing & Public Protection