THE leaders of the two parties on Blaenau Gwent council vowed to work together at the local authority's first official meeting since the elections.

After the last cycle was punctuated by bitter disputes and back-biting between  Labour and Independent members, Wednesday's meeting saw leaders Hedley McCarthy and John Mason signal a new era of co-operation.

There are now 33 Labour and nine Independents on the council and the meeting began with Independent leader John Mason asking: "Leader, you talk of the new council being inclusive and transparent, but that is not fully explained from the point of view of us, a minority group.

"We are waiting to see if this inclusiveness includes all and if we can work in that spirit in the future."

Leader Hedley McCarthy replied: "It will be as inclusive as possible and we'll work together with you."

It was decided at the meeting that the number of members receiving senior salaries will be cut from 21 to 17, a move that will save the local authority around £48,000 a year.

Cllr McCarthy also announced that Cllr Steve Thomas will be deputy leader and unveiled his eight-person cabinet.

Cllr David White will have responsibility for highways and transportation, Cllr Keith Hayden will oversee environment and community safety, Cllr Haydn Trollope work transformation and partnership and Cllr Anita Hobbs social services.

Cllr David Wilkshire will look after the portfolio for leisure and young people while Cllr Jim McIlwee is cabinet member for governance, Cllr Barrie Sutton for resources and Cllr Brian Scully for regeneration.