THE NEW political masters of Eastleigh Borough Council have been announced after an election that saw the Lib Dems increase their iron grip on the authority.

There is little change apart from the departure of Cllr Chris Thomas who stepped down from his post as member for customer service and ICT.

Cllr Roger Smith is the new appointment to the Cabinet.

Cllr Keith House was again installed as leader with Cllr Anne Winstanley as his deputy.

Councillors David Airey, Louise Bloom, Alan Broadhurst, Cathie Fraser and Peter Wall remain in the power circle.

Cllr Thomas said he had not put himself forward to be appointed to the cabinet this time round as he was keen to devote more time to his role at Hampshire County Council as Lib Dem spokesman on business and the economy.