Two weeks after Redbridge Labour won 51 seats in the local elections, the group have revealed their new look cabinet.

Councillor Jas Athwall is back as leader of the council, but will also take on the additional responsibility of growth and regeneration of Redbridge. This will include looking into the future of leisure and libraries services. A new deputy has been chosen and as well as taking the lead on the borough’s finances, councillor Kam Rai has become the second in command. He takes the reigns from Councillor Elaine Norman, who will continue as cabinet member for children and young people and will work towards Redbridge becoming a UNICEF child-friendly accredited borough. There has been a little bit of a shuffle to this year’s inner circle and councillor Sheila Bain is no longer cabinet member for civic pride. Instead, she will move to the new role of planning and planning enforcement, tackling issues such as beds in sheds. Councillor John Howard will take up her area instead and combine it with his environment, transport and cleansing responsibilities. Councillor Athwal said: “I have realigned several portfolio areas to reflect the direction our priorities are heading. “Several members of the team are moving to new areas for this exciting second term in our improvement of the Redbridge Council.” Councillor Mark Santos will also continue in his role of health and social care but his portfolio will be subject to a name change to include a focus on mental health issues. Councillor Helen Coomb moves from the Local Plan to the new role of cabinet member for transformation and councillor Farah Hussain will continue in her role as cabinet member for housing and will add to the role tackling homelessness. Councillor Hussain said: “I am really excited to take on the challenge of wiping out rough sleeping across Redbridge through my portfolio, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone across the London to make this happen.” Councillor Bob Littlewood will take on the portfolio of cabinet member for crime, safety and community cohesion.