IT HAS been confirmed that Cllr Giles Archibald will once again be leader of South Lakeland District Council.

The Liberal Democrat member for Kendal Town was leader under the previous administration before the all-out elections at the beginning of May.

Mr Archibald will also be the portfolio holder for promoting South Lakeland as the cabinet was revealed at SLDC’s annual meeting at Kendal Town Hall on Tuesday evening.

Cllr Jonathan Brook will serve as portfolio holder for housing, innovation and people, as well as taking on the role of deputy leader of the council.

Portfolio holder for culture and leisure will be Cllr Chris Hogg, Cllr Graham Vincent will hold the economy and assets portfolio, Cllr Dyan Jones will be cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Andrew Jarvis will be responsible for finance, and Cllr Phil Dixon will take the health and well-being portfolio.

Conservative group leader on SLDC, Cllr Ben Berry, has also announced those who will comprise the shadow cabinet.

His deputy leader and also shadow cabinet member for housing, people and innovation will be Cllr Tom Harvey.

Cllr Janette Jenkinson will be shadow member for health and well-being, shadow member for economy and assets will be Cllr James Airey, Cllr Helen Irving takes the position for culture and leisure, shadow environment portfolio holder will be Cllr Kevin Lancaster, and Cllr John Holmes will be shadow member for finance.

Mr Berry, who is also shadow cabinet member for promoting South Lakeland, said: I am delighted at the strength in depth we now have on the Conservative group following our successes in this month’s local elections. Together we will hold the current Liberal Democrat administration to account for securing the good jobs and prosperity which South Lakeland needs.”