THE county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford is to become the new county cabinet member responsible for education and children's services.

Cllr James McInnes is to take on the role following the resignation of Mr Will Mumford. Mr Mumford, a surveyor, has been appointed managing director of property company NPS South West. NPS contracts for work with Devon County Council, and Mr Mumford has resigned his council seat to avoid a conflict of interest.

A former leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr McInnes currently chairs Devon's development management committee.

His role will be taken by Chudleigh Rural councillor Jerry Brook.

Cllr McInnes said: 'I am looking forward to continuing the work that Will Mumford has been doing, driving the council's improvement agenda and implementing our significant change programme.'

County council leader John Hart said: 'I want to pay tribute to the work that Will Mumford has done for Devon. He has been in the cabinet since day one of this administration in 2009.

'As the cabinet member responsible for economy, he was instrumental in negotiating the roll-out of superfast broadband to many rural parts of Devon in a move that is benefitting businesses and householders alike and improving the economy in these areas.

'He also played a key role in establishing our local enterprise panel. Over the past year he has been responsible for driving the improvement of our child protection services following the Ofsted inspection.

'I am sorry to lose his excellent contribution from both the cabinet and the council.

'But I understand, as a family man, he has to devote himself to his professional career and this is too good an opportunity for him to turn down. I am delighted to welcome James McInnes to the cabinet, which I am sure will benefit from his considerable experience at both district and county level.

'The county council is facing considerable challenges over the next few years as we continue to make significant reductions in our budget and James is taking on a very high profile portfolio.'