Following last Thursday’s surprise by-election win for the Tories in North Thatcham, the balance tipped in the Conservatives’ favour by 27 seats to 25 for the Liberal Democrats.

Last night, new chairman John Chapman, a Purley Cllr, was appointed, with Brian Bedwell (Theale) as vice-chairman.

Among the first tasks of new council leader and Lambourn chemist Graham Jones, 40, will be negotiating the end of the flagship Amey contract, which collapsed earlier this year – as revealed on this site. He will also have to take decide whether to fulfil an election pledge to delay controversial plans to turn Newbury’s 1,000 year old Market Place into an Italian piazza.

Mr Jones said: “There are a number of issues we want to address as a matter of importance. These include ensuring service delivery is focused across the whole district; facilitating services in partnership with other organisations; consulting residents on key issues; and prudent financial management."

The other eight in the council cabinet are:

Planning and highways - Keith Chopping (also deputy leader).

Environment and public protection – Geoff Findlay.

Leisure and culture – Marcus Franks.

Community care and voluntary sector – Joe Mooney.

Children and Young People - Graham Pask.

Legal, HR, procurement and communications – Anthony Stansfeld.

Community safety, housing, IT and the Visions for Newbury, Thatcham, and the east of the district – Emma Webster.

Finance, resources and commissioning – Laszlo Zverko