THE new chairman of West Somerset Council has pledged to continue working in a "spirit of togetherness", regardless of individual councillors' political views.

Cllr Doug Ross, who represents Minehead North as an Independent, took over the ceremonial chain of office from outgoing chairman Cllr Tony Knight at the authority's annual meeting on Wednesday.

West Quantock member Cllr Stuart Dowding was appointed as deputy chairman, while Carhampton and Withycombe member Cllr Tim Taylor and Quantock Vale councillor Chris Morgan were both returned as leader and deputy leader respectively.

All the appointments were unanimous and Cllr Ross said it was significant all political groups had given their backing to the nominations.

He thanked Cllr Knight for his "excellent" term in office and said councillors were elected to benefit the whole of West Somerset and should work together to achieve their goals.

Cllr Taylor also praised Cllr Knight's commitment to the role and added: "Tony has had a superb year and has been a very good chairman.

"He has kept the debate flowing, encouraged debate and been firm and decisive.

"He has enhanced the reputation of this council and enhanced the already very high reputation of himself."

Cllr Knight was presented with a commemorative past chairman's badge in recognition of his work and said it had been an honour to represent the council.

Councillors also agreed the membership of the cabinet, shadow cabinet and committees.

The cabinet remains unchanged for a second year, with Cllrs David Sanders taking responsibility for regeneration and economic growth, Keith Turner as the lead member for housing, environmental health and licensing, Steven Pugsley as the portfolio holder for executive support and democracy, Dave Westcott for community and customer, Kate Kravis for resources and central support and Cllr Morgan as environment lead member and Cllr Taylor responsible for performance and corporate support.

Shadow cabinet members were named as Ian Melhuish as leader of the opposition group, Keith Ross, Andrew Hadley, Pete Murphy, Eddie May, Jon Freeman and Doug Ross.

Committee members are:

Scrutiny committee - Keith Ross (chairman), Stuart Dowding (vice-chairman), Richard Lillis, Bruce Heywood, Paul Grierson, Mandy Chilcott, Martin Dewdney, Jon Freeman and Doug Ross.

Planning committee - Tony Knight (chairman), Ian Melhuish (vice-chairman), Steven Pugsley, Keith Turner, Alec Chick, Stuart Dowding, Chris Morgan, Bruce Heywood, Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Les Smith, Karen Mills, Andrew Hadley, Eddie May, Doug Ross and Maureen Smith.

Licensing committee - Hugh Davies (chairman), Dave Westcott (vice-chairman), David Sanders, Paul Grierson, Martin Dewdney, Les Smith, Alec Chick, Richard Lillis, Sue Goss, Andrew Hadley and Eddie May.

Audit committee- Anthony Trollope-Bellew (chairman), Eddie May (vice-chairman), Sue Goss, Mandy Chilcott, Richard Lillis, Karen Mills and Pete Murphy.

Standards committee - Hugh Davies, Paul Grierson and Dave Westcott.

Local development panel - Keith Turner (chairman), Chris Morgan (vice-chairman), Tony Knight, Bruce Heywood, Sue Goss, Keith Ross, Ian Melhuish and Maureen Smith.