The Liberal Democrat Group has announced today that it has decided to end the political partnership with the Conservative Group which has run the county council since June 2001.
This means that both Cllr Joan Stocker and Cllr Ian Stewart have resigned as cabinet members with immediate effect and the number of cabinet members is reduced from 8 to 6.
Discussions will take place today among Conservative Group members about how Cllr Stocker's and Cllr Stewart's portfolios will be redistributed among the existing 6 Cabinet members and an announcement will be made on Cabinet portfolios shortly. The 6-person Cabinet will meet as previously planned on September 1.
Any subsequent changes to Cabinet are subject to a Full Council meeting. The next Full Council meeting is on September 10.
Cllr Tim Stoddard remains as Leader of the council - any changes would also be subject to a Full Council meeting - but Cllr Stocker has now resigned as Deputy Leader with immediate effect.
Notes
Cumbria County Council has 84 elected members, each representing a single electoral division. The council consists of 39 Labour members, 32 Conservative members, 11 Liberal Democrat members and 2 Independent members.
ENDS
Please note: Cumbria County Council's media team telephone numbers have now changed.
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332