RECENT weeks have seen a seismic shift in the political make-up of Cumbria.

Labour’s 30-seat majority at the ballot box on May 5 has seen the party take control of the new Cumberland Council.

Workington’s Mark Fryer has been selected as leader of the new unitary council, Lisa Brown of Carlisle is serving as his statutory deputy leader.

Emma Williams who was voted-in to represent Kells and Sandwith, will serve as non-statutory deputy leader for Cumberland.

READ MORE: Allerdale Council CEO recommended for top job at Cumberland Council

In its inaugural meeting as a Shadow Authority on May 17, the council elected Carni McCarron-Holmes as chairman and Abdul Harid as vice chairman.

Tim Pickstone, elected member for Longtown, has been selected leader of the Cumberland Council Liberal Democrat group and Roger Dobson as is deputy.

Helen Davison is leader of Cumberland Council's Green Party while Jill Perry is her deputy.

The Conservative opposition group will be led by Mike Johnson, the current leader of Allerdale Council.

David Moore has been appointed as deputy leader of the group and John Mallinson as treasurer and chief whip.

Meanwhile, Pamela Birks has been appointed as shadow portfolio holder for health and wellbeing by Carlisle City Council’s Labour group, after completing her time as Mayor of Carlisle.

READ MORE: Leader selected for Westmorland & Furness Council's Conservative group

Mike Mitchelson, former leader of the council and elected Conservative councillor for Brampton, is the new mayor for the 2022/23 municipal year.

Colin Glover, Labour member for Currock and Upperby, has been appointed deputy mayor.

At Cumbria County Council, Keith Hitchen, Conservative councillor for Millom Without, has been selected shadow portfolio holder for children’s services.

He took the vice chair’s seat on the Scrutiny Advisory Board for Children and Young People on Tuesday.

Cllr Hitchen’s opposite number is Councillor Anne Burns, the county council’s children’s services boss.

Carlisle City Council’s leadership has gained a new member in Conservative councillor Keith Meller.

Cllr Meller will take-up a newly created role on the council’s executive, ensuring a smooth transition to the new Cumberland authority next year.