Bristol's new council cabinet revealed

Barbara Janke, Bristol City Council's new boss, on Wednesday named her new cabinet.

The new council leader described the new executive as "talented, able, enthusiastic and motivated".

All eight have been in the Liberal Democrats' shadow cabinet during part or all of Labour's 21 months in office.

Although Mrs Janke has yet to name each cabinet member's portfolio, many are expected to take charge of the departments they were responsible for as opposition spokesmen and women.

The key areas services in Bristol are transport, education, waste and social services.

It is almost certain, for instance, that Councillor Gary Hopkins will be in charge of waste and recycling and Councillor Clare Campion-Smith will have responsibility for schools.

The full line-up will be:

● Barbara Janke: Leader

Councillor for Clifton ward, first elected to the council in 1995, and before that a councillor in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon- Thames from 1986 to 1994. Declined to reveal age.

A teacher by profession, Mrs Janke was elected as leader of the city council's Lib Dems in 1997 and previously led the city council from June 2003 until November 2004, and again from May 2005 until 2007.

● Simon Cook: Deputy leader responsible in opposition for culture and leisure

Councillor for Clifton East, first elected to the council in 1999.

Mr Cook, 55, is an actor and training consultant, seen by millions of viewers in parts in East Enders, Casualty and Family Affairs.

● Gary Hopkins: Responsible in opposition for environment and community safety

Councillor for Knowle since 2002. Declined to reveal age.

An independent financial adviser and member of Avon and Somerset Police Authority.

● Clare Campion-Smith: Responsible in opposition for children and young people

Councillor for Henleaze since 2006. Declined to reveal age.

Mrs Campion-Smith is a methodist preacher.

● Dr Jon Rogers: Responsible in opposition for transport and sustainability

Councillor for Ashley since 2005.

Dr Rogers, 54, is a part-time GP, and has lived in the city since he moved here in 1973 to go to Bristol University.

● Tim Kent: Responsible in opposition for business transformation and improvement.

Councillor for Whitchurch Park since 2006.

Mr Kent, 34, is a campaigns and communications manager for the Lib Dems and moved to Bristol 10 years ago.

● Beverley Knott: Responsible in opposition for adult community care, health promotion and neighbourhoods.

Councillor for Bishopston since 1999.

Mr Knott, 68, is a retired teacher, and his last two posts were at Cabot Primary and Fairfield School.

He moved to Bristol in 1964.

● Mike Popham: Responsible in opposition for capital projects, regeneration and housing

Councillor for Clifton East since 2007, before that a councillor in Woking, Surrey, for six years.

Mr Popham, 55, is the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Bristol East, and a main board director of the regulation, risk and compliance software company, Information Governance Limited.

Mrs Janke told the Post: "We are all set to roll up our sleeves and get on with the job.

"It isn't an easy time to take over mid-term. The city is in recession, with lots of people losing their jobs.

"The council is in the middle of a major restructuring, with officers leaving. There are unfilled posts, such as the director of children's services. But my colleagues will take responsibility following the Labour group's abandonment of their positions on the city council.

"We have the commitment and drive to see this period through with the support of the people of Bristol."

All eyes now are on the June elections, when the Lib Dems defend 11 of the 23 seats up for grabs and try to secure a majority (36 seats) by winning four more.

The party aims for a firm mandate from the electorate to carry out their manifesto commitments.

The month before the poll on June 4 is traditionally a time of "purdah" in council affairs, when the ruling party has to avoid action that could be seen as electioneering.

March and April, too, are likely to be "a caretaker period", as one party source described it, in which urgent priorities are acted on but others are likely to bide their time until after the elections.

Thanks to Jim Barlow who posted the two videos on YouTube.

Read the Bristol Post's political editor Torben Lee's blog on everything happening at Bristol City Council.

The shake-up at Bristol City Council is also being blogged by Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy, the Bristol Blogger, and the Greens.