Following last months failure by any one group to take control of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) following the local elections, a partnership agreement has been brokered between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

The agreement, and the council, will be headed by previous leader Peter Fox.

The Conservative councilor for Portskewett clinched the leadership with a margin of just one vote from independent opposition Councillor Simon Howarth at a meeting in Monmouth's Shire Hall last Thurday (17th May).

Overseeing meetings now is new chairman Cllr Maureen Powell, supported by Deputy Chairman David Dovey.

The county council's partnership agreement, announced last week, sees the conservative and liberal democrats joining forces after underwhelming election results for all parties at recent elections.

Backing Cllr Fox is Cllr Bob Greenland, who Fox described as a "pillar of strength" during his last term; and Liberal Democrat councillor Phil Hobson. The two men will share the role of deputy leader for what is expected to be the full five year term.

"I want to lead an organisation that is proactive and progressive, building on all the good work we have all been part of," said Cllr Fox.

"The dynamic has changed here, I recognise that. I am looking to do things differently.

"This partnership agreement between Liberal Democrats and Conservatives will be a very strong and very stable partnership, with strong and sensible policies.

"I will be concentrating totally on taking this council forward. We need a challenge, and I am looking forward to working with the other members."

Fox has chosen to run a cabinet of eight councillors. Sitting on the council's cabinet, aside from the leader and his two deputies, are Liz Hacket Pain, cabinet member for children, young people and learning; Giles Howard, culture and environment; Geoff Burrows, social care health and housing; Phil Murphy, finance and performance improving and Bryan Jones, county operations.

For the full report on this story, see this week's Beacon (23rd May)