A NEW cabinet member has been appointed in Hampshire.

Cllr Edward Heron - currently executive member for countryside and rural affairs at Hamsphire County Council - will expand his portfolio to include recreation and heritage.

It comes as Cllr Seán Woodward  resigned from his post yestreday - "citing personal reasons and pressure of work". 

As reported, the news comes as last week a panel found that Cllr Woodward breached the county councillors's code of conduct when dealing with the allocation of a £15,000 grant.

Now the county council has confirmed that Cllr Heron will replace him.

In a statement Cllr Keith Mans, county council leader, said: "I am delighted that Edward will be taking on a greater role in the county council’s cabinet adding recreation and heritage to his role of countryside and rural affairs.  He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this portfolio."

Cllr Heron was first elected to Hampshire County Council in 2009, representing the now Lyndhurst & Fordingbridge division.

He was appointed to the county council’s cabinet as executive member for countryside and rural affairs in 2018.

He is also a member of New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Cllr Heron said: “I am delighted to be taking on this expanded role on the county council’s cabinet and look forward to continuing the excellent work for Hampshire residents, undertaken across the recreation, heritage, countryside and rural affairs portfolio.”