A fresh agreement between the Liberal Democrats and Labour to run Harlow Council for another year was confirmed at the Council's Annual Meeting.

The Liberal Democrats, now with ten councillors following Cllr Robert Thurston's defeat of Conservative Jane Steer in Mark Hall, successfully nominated Cllr Chris Millington to serve another term as Joint Leader of the Council.

Cllr Eleanor Macy will continue to chair the Environment & Community Committee, and Cllr Robert Thurston will continue to chair Planning. Cllr Ian Jackson will chair the Constitution Committee, and will also be Vice Chair of Licensing.

Cllr Jim Pailing will continue as Vice Chair of Policy & Resources, Cllr Lesley Rideout will continue as Vice Chair of Housing, and newly-elected Netteswell councillor Linda Pailing will Vice Chair the Call-In Committee.

Cllr Lorna Spenceley will be Vice Chair of the Council for 2006/07.

Cllr Chris Millington, councillor for Bush Fair ward, has been re-elected Leader of Harlow Council's Liberal Democrat group at its Annual Meeting.

Cllr Robert Thurston, who gained the Mark Hall seat from the Conservatives in Thursday's elections, was elected as Deputy Leader of the group.

Cllr Chris Robins, re-elected to the council in Staple Tye ward on Thursday, takes on the role of Group Chair.

And newly-elected Cllr Linda Pailing, who represents Netteswell ward, is the new Group Secretary.

All four group officers were elected unanimously. Cllr Chris Millington says:

"Our new, larger group has a strong team in place ready to represent local residents effectively on Harlow Council. The skills and abilities of our new councillors have already been recognised by members of the Group and we are looking forward to the challenges of the coming year."