A RESHUFFLE of the council’s cabinet will take place later this month following the decision of Conservative councillor Nick Hayes, who holds the Planning and Regeneration portfolio, to step down to concentrate on his job.

The Guardian understands Mr Hayes old portfolio will be replaced by a new office, Regeneration and Property, with Wanstead councillor and former Mayor Thomas Chan taking on the role.

Cllr Chan previously served in Cabinet between 2007 and 2009 before a stint as mayor between 2009 and 2010.

When asked to confirm the news, he said: “It is true that I am returning to cabinet and I’m very excited.

“The portfolio is a new one and a lot of the work I will be doing will involve the Crossrail Project as well as the regeneration of Barkingside town centre.”

As part of the reshuffle, Cabinet member for Highways, Michelle Dunn will take over the Housing portfolio with current member for Housing, Robin Turbefield moving to Leisure and Youth Services.

The Guardian understands the new Cabinet will look like this:

Leader and Finance: Keith Prince (Conservative)

Deputy Leader and Resources: Ian Bond (Liberal Democrats)

Adult Social Services and Health: John Fairley-Churchill(Conservative)

Children’s Services: Alan Weinberg (Conservative)

Housing: Michelle Dunn (Conservative)

Leisure and Youth Services: Robin Turbefield (Conservative)

Environment and Transportation: Sue Nolan (Conservative)

Community Safety, Planning and Enforcement: Shoaib Patel (Liberal Democrats)

Regeneration and Property: Thomas Chan (Conservative)