LIBERAL Democrats on Gloucestershire County Council have assembled their shadow cabinet, saying it is “more important than ever” to show a strong opposition.

A familiar name to many in this part of the county is Cllr John Cordwell, who will stand as the shadow member for fire, planning and infrastructure.

Also among the names is Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, who took on Geoffrey Clifton-Brown to represent the Cotswolds constituency in the general election.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Jeremy Hilton said: “I look forward to working alongside them all with Cllr Iain Dobie who I’m delighted will again be serving as deputy leader.

“Despite our recent knock-backs, I’m confident that with a strong team of local county councillors we will continue to work hard to strengthen the local economy, fix the roads and protect the most vulnerable across Gloucestershire all the way through to the county elections in 2017”.

Deputy leader Cllr Dobie added: "The recent national and local election results make it more important than ever to field a well-led, challenging and effective opposition team.

“I am confident that the Liberal Democrats, who are the prime opposition party at the county council, have such a team."

The full list of shadow cabinet members and their roles:

Finance & Change – Cllr. Paul Hodgkinson (LD: Bourton-on-the-Water)

Long-Term Care – Cllr. David Brown (LD: Barnwood & Hucclecote)

Older People – Cllr. Klara Sudbury (LD: Charlton Park & College)

Children & Young People and Strategic Commissioning – Cllr. Joe Harris (LD: Cirencester Park)

Highways and Flood – Cllr. Bill Whelan (LD: Churchdown)

Fire, Planning and Infrastructure – Cllr. John Cordwell (LD: Wotton-under-Edge)

Public Health and Communities – Cllr. Iain Dobie (LD: Leckhampton & Warden Hill)