1:46pm Wednesday 7th May 2008
THE Independent and Labour groups at Carmarthenshire County Council are to form a coalition.
The parties today agreed to continue to work together in administration.
It follows talks between the groups in the wake of Thursday's election results.
Trimsaran member Meryl Gravell will remain as Council Leader and new Labour Leader Kevin Madge will become Deputy Leader.
The Executive Board will be made up of seven Independents and three Labour members.
Portfolios will include regeneration, technical services, health and social care, education, housing and resources.
The division of roles is aimed at reflecting last week's election results, where the Independents won 30 seats.
Liberal Democrat Ken Rees has agreed to work with the group, taking the total number of seats up to 31. Labour won 11 seats.
The Plaid Cymru group will be offered the chairs of the high profile housing and social justice scrutiny committees, and the vice chair of education and children's services.
Cllr Madge said: "We are very pleased to be continuing our partnership with the Independent group.
"It is disappointing that national politics have had an impact on the situation in Carmarthenshire. We have always been a very strong group and we will continue to work together to deliver and improve everyday services such as recycling, education and transport.
"We are pleased that we have such a strong platform to build on and we look forward to the challenges ahead."
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