Eastleigh council has re-elected Keith House as leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority and pushed the number of members on the powerful executive Cabinet up from six to eight.

Councillor House was the only nomination for the post of leader at the council's annual meeting where Councillor Peter Wall was elected deputy council leader.

Cllr House told members that while the Cabinet had worked well over the last year, it was felt two more members could make the organisation work more efficiently. Six members previously had portfolios for resources, the environment, health and prosperity, leisure, social policy and transport and infrastructure. Now, two extra executive councillors will assist with corporate issues plus support the council's local area committee structure.

Councillors Tonia Craig and Chris Thomas will join councillors David Airey, Louise Bloom, Alan Broadhurst, Keith House, Peter Wall and Anne Winstanley on the new executive line. Cllr Airey retains his post as chairman of the Bursledon, Hamble and Hound local area committee while there is no change at Bishopstoke, Fair Oak and Horton Heath where Councillor Philip Spearey remains as chairman. It is also as you were at Chandler's Ford and Hiltingbury where Councillor Godfrey Olson still chairs the committee.

But Councillor Steve Sollitt - who won back his council seat in this month's elections - takes over as chairman of the Eastleigh local area committee from Councillor Wall.

Councillor George Fraser, who also returned to the council earlier this month after failing to defend his seat last year, takes over the helm of the Hedge End, West End and Botley local area committee from Martin Kyrle, who was ousted by the electorate in the recent polls after nearly 20 years on the council.