A new position has been created within a council's cabinet.

Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Morris Bright, announced at a full council meeting on Wednesday that Cllr Paul Morris would be drafted into the Executive.

Together, Cllr Bright and his cabinet are called the Executive and are responsible for major decisions within a framework approved by the council.

Cllr Morris, who is currently leading a consultation group tasked with finding a solution for the country club site in Bushey, will be responsible for community and economic development.

He will have a key focus on employment growth, promoting the borough as a tourist destination, while he will also be in charge of regeneration for external and internal investment.

Cllr Bright said: "Our goal is to provide excellent services for our community and to do that our Executive must have portfolio’s that represent the council’s vision for the future and our aims set out within the Corporate Plan.

“The number of councillors who have portfolios within my cabinet will increase to eight, with the creation of a new portfolio specifically responsible for Community and Economic Development. This new role will help address the significant challenges that we face in continuing to tackle austerity through being an enterprising council, planning for the future and supporting our communities.

"We are fortunate to have many skilled and knowledgeable local councillors, and the time is right for using more of their expertise to benefit the work of the council. The need for initiatives to promote economic development and community regeneration, to develop links with our business community and voluntary sector, as well as monitor the implementation of projects is vital to support a thriving borough. I welcome Cllr Paul Morris to the Executive.”

The Cabinet will now be made up as follows:

• Cllr Morris Bright (MBE): Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communications and Consultation

• Cllr Dr Harvey Cohen: Portfolio Holder for Planning and Localism

• Cllr Seamus Quilty: Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport

• Cllr Caroline Clapper: Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Health

• Cllr John Graham: Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property

• Cllr Pervez Choudhury: Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Performance

• Cllr Jean Heywood: Portfolio Holder for Housing

• Cllr Paul Morris (OBE): Portfolio Holder for Community and Economic Development