THE Bournemouth councillor whose sacking played a major part in the downfall of Peter Charon has been given a top role in the new regime.

Cllr Nicola Greene was given the deputy leader’s post unopposed at a Conservative Group meeting on Monday night.

She was also restored to her former role as head of education and children’s services.

She was dismissed as cabinet member for education in December by former leader Peter Charon for alleged disloyalty. She said it was a clash of styles.

Fellow Tory councillors described her as “highly competent” and urged Cllr Charon to reconsider his “appalling” decision.

They passed a vote of no confidence in Peter Charon a month later and he resigned.

The new leader, Cllr John Beesley, told the Echo: “Nicola has proved herself to be an outstanding councillor and I am confident she will do a superb job as deputy leader.

“She is hugely respected in the group.”

Cllr Greene’s return is just one of a number of changes as Cllr Beesley announced his new cabinet.

Out goes Cllr Barry Goldbart, who only recently resigned the position of deputy mayor to take up the education and children’s services mantle, Cllr Lynda Price and Cllr Peter Charon, who left the cabinet after resigning as leader.

In come new councillors Lawrence Williams, Jane Kelly and Blair Crawford.

Cllr Williams is the portfolio holder for corporate policy implementation, Cllr Kelly takes on the mantle of partnerships and regeneration and Cllr Crawford is in charge of adult social care.

Cllr Beesley will combine the role of leader with his previous resources portfolio.

The other cabinet members are Cllr Anne Filer, who is in charge of corporate efficiency, Cllr Rod Cooper, who continues to head up tourism, leisure and culture, Cllr David Smith, who keeps the planning and environment brief, Cllr Michael Filer, transport, cleansing and waste, and Cllr Bob Lawton, who is in charge of housing.