A NEW mayor and a new cabinet member for children and young people have been formally elected.

Councillor Phyll Cullen is the new mayor of the borough after taking over the mayoral chain from Clr Billy Rotherham at Wigan Council’s annual general meeting.

Clr Cullen, who represents the Wigan West ward, said: “I’m delighted to be elected mayor of the borough.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting year ahead, serving the whole of the borough and representing the council at important functions and events.”

Clr Joanne Platt, ward member for Astley and Mosley Common has joined the cabinet as portfolio holder for children and young people, replacing Clr Susan Loudon, who is now the borough’s deputy mayor.

The cabinet is the main policy-making body of the council. It consists of eight councillors, who each hold responsibility for the main service areas.

Clr Platt said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as cabinet member and I am really looking forward to supporting the children and young people of the borough. “It has been a challenging time for the council with the reduction of government funding.

“As these services undergo change it is important that we have a strong team ensuring that we give our young people the chance to live happy, fulfilling and successful lives.

“I would also like to thank Clr Loudon for her hard work over the last few years and I’m looking forward to meeting as many staff and partners as possible over the coming weeks.”

At the same meeting Lord Smith was re-elected as the council’s executive leader for a further four years.