A FORMER meals on wheels lady is a council’s new chairman.

Councillor Jan Blakey was today (Wednesday, May 20) elected Durham County Council’s 56th chairman since its creation in 1889 and the sixth since it became a unitary authority in 2009.

Originally from Bowburn, Cllr Blakey, who represents Coxhoe, worked for Durham City Council’s meals on wheels service.

A county councillor since 2008, she is married with two children and five grandchildren. Her chosen charity for her year in office is the North East Autism Society.

Cllr Blakey succeeds Cllr John Robinson as chairman, while Cllr Robin Todd was elected vice-chair.

Some changes were also made to the council’s cabinet.

Cllr Morris Nicholls stood down from his role as cabinet member for adult services after six years in the post and his responsibilities passed to Cllr Lucy Hovvels, who becomes cabinet member for adult and health services.

Cllr Joy Allen was appointed cabinet member for safer communities, taking over from Cllr Hovvels.

Cllr Eddie Tomlinson has been given new responsibilities for land and property assets, fuel poverty and energy efficiency as cabinet member for assets, strategic housing and rural issues, while Cllr Jane Brown is now responsible for welfare rights.