A NEW leadership team for the council was announced last night, following the local elections on May 2.

Councillor Pauline Mckenzie has been elected as the new Mayor of Bracknell Forest Council.

Cllr Alvin Finch, who was the previous mayor, said: "It is great to have been a service and I hope that I have represented the Borough well."

The new deputy mayor was also elected on the night. Councillor Ash Merry, said: "I am both humbled and proud to accept this chain of office, I look forward to representing this wonderful borough.

"It is the residents and communities which make Bracknell Forest such a wonderful borough."

Councillor Paul Bettison OBE will oversee the council for another four years after he was elected as leader by his Conservative colleagues. In his speech he passed on his thanks to Cllr Alvin Finch.

He said: "For any mayor, it can be really difficult and especially with what you have been through with the passing of your wife Diane.

"He has been an excellent first citizen and the council are grateful for his work in his mayoral year."

The council executive is split up into nine portfolios, each with a lead councillor.

The new executive for 2019/2020 are:

Leader Paul Bettison and executive member for council strategy and community cohesion

Deputy leader Dale Birch, adult services, health and housing 

Executive member for Children, young People and learning Dr Gareth Barnard

Marc Brunel-Walker, economic development and regeneration 

John Harrison, culture, delivery and public protection 

Dorothy Hayes, environment 

Peter Heydon, transformation and finance

Chris Turrell, planning and transport 

Members were appointed to chair a number of committees 

Leader of overview and scrutiny Robert Angell; Deputy Tony Virgo

Appeals Michael Brossard; deputy Bob Wade

Employment, Ian Leake; deputy Nick Allen

Governance and Audit Nick Allen; deputy Bob Wade

Licensing and Safety, John Porter; Michael Brossard 

Planning, Colin Dudley; Michael Brossard