THE key players in Colchester Council's ruling Cabinet have been announced.

The Liberal Democrats are continuing to form an alliance with Labour and Highwoods Independent councillors.

The Conservatives was the biggest party after the elections with 22 seats but failed to get an overall majority.

The Cabinet will be largely the same as before voters went to the polls with all but one Cabinet members remaining.

It now comprises of four Liberal Democrat councillors, three Labour councillors and one Independent councillor reflecting the power balance of the council.

Lib Dem Paul Smith will remain as council leader and is also the portfolio holder for strategy.

Labour's Tim Young will be the deputy leader and is also the portfolio holder for culture and regeneration.

Lib Dem Annie Feltham has become the deputy to the leader as well as portfolio holder for business, leisure and opportunities.

Colleagues Mark Cory and Dominic Graham are also in the Cabinet with Mr Cory retaining the portfolio for resources and Mr Graham becoming the portfolio holder for waste and sustainability Labour has an extra Cabinet member with Mike Lilley joining Mr Young and Tina Bourne in the all-powerful Cabinet.

Ms Bourne is now the portfolio holder for housing and public protection while Mr Lilley becomes portfolio holder for safer communities and licensing.

Beverley Oxford also has a place representing the Highwoods Independents and retains the portfolio for customers.

Mr Smith said: "The electorate voted for more Labour councillors and that is reflected in the administration.

"That is the democratic process. I would love there to be more Lib Dem councillors, and there nearly was, but at the end of the day if a party has more councillors they can reasonably be expected to get more representation.

"Labour makes up a third of the administration so it is right they are a third of the Cabinet."

He added: "We are looking to continue the good work we have done and tackle the serious problems which are facing Colchester both in terms of development and the budget pressures we will be facing as a result of the cuts in Government grants."

Mr Young, said: “I’m extremely pleased we have now formed our new Cabinet and am keen to see us complete unfinished business.

"We still have much to do – all in the face of an exceptionally difficult economic backdrop and serious financial pressures – but I am confident that our track-record of protecting vital services, sound financial management and delivering on our aim of increasing investment will continue apace."