THE Vale Labour Party has confirmed that it will work in partnership with the Llantwit First Independents on the Vale Council.

Labour gained the majority of seats on the council in the local elections on May 3, but failed to take overall control, missing out by two seats.

However Vale Council and Labour group leader, Cllr Neil Moore, this week confirmed that he had reached an agreement with the Llantwit Major based councillors.

He also announced that the local authority would operate with a reduced cabinet of seven members.

The cabinet will be made up of Barry councillors Stuart Egan, who will also serve as deputy leader, Bronwen Brooks, Chris Elmore and Rob Curtis, alongside Penarth councillor Lis Burnett and Llantwit Major councillor Gwyn John - subject to proposals to be put before Full Council at their meeting on Wednesday (May 23).

Cllr Moore said: "I am grateful that 22 Labour members were elected onto the Council, giving us the majority of seats within the Vale. "Although we fell short of an overall majority by two seats, Labour has considered all the options and has agreed to take a proposal to the first meeting of the new council and select a new cabinet, in partnership with the Llantwit First Independents."

He added: "We all look forward to the challenges ahead and serving the people of the Vale of Glamorgan. "We intend to ensure the Vale Council provides efficient and effective, value-for-money services, that the people of the Vale require and deserve.

"We know this will not be an easy task in today’s economic climate, but our task is clear and we intend to ensure that our election pledges are brought to fruition during our term of office."