THE youngest ever Colchester Council cabinet member has been chosen to oversee a partial switch to wheelie bins in Colchester.

Lib Dem Jessica Scott-Boutell has been chosen as the new portfolio holder for waste and sustainability.

Political colleague Dominic Graham had unveiled and arranged the new strategy which will see a move to fortnightly collections, a three bag limit on refuse and some households being given wheelie bins.

He stepped down from the cabinet to stand as a General Election candidate in Harwich and North Essex after making the controversial decision.

Council leader Paul Smith said he was confident Miss Scott-Boutell, 22, who has represented Stanway for the last three years, would be a success.

He said: “Jess has impressed us all in the last year or so on issues she has been working on including work at Bellhouse tip.

“With Dominic Graham deciding to take a back seat we felt it was right she has the opportunity to step forward.

“I think it will be easier for her to move into the role now than it would have been six months ago as the system has been drawn up thanks to some excellent work from Dominic.

“I am looking forward to a successful year in terms of increasing recycling and lowering the amount of waste going to landfill.”

Other cabinet members remain the same with Tim Young (Lab) having responsibility for business and culture, Beverley Oxford (Highwoods Independent) in charge of customers, Mike Lilley (Lab) public safety and licensing, Tina Bourne (Lab) housing and communities and Mark Cory (Lib Dem) overseeing resources.

Annie Feltham (Lib Dem) is now in charge of commercial services and Mr Smith said he wanted to put all commercial activities into one portfolio to help maximise income.

The appointments are expected to be confirmed today at a meeting of the full council.