THE new leader, opposition leader and committee chairs have been formally appointed at the annual meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council.

Labour councillor Nancy Platts, pictured, became leader of the council as expected, with Green convenor Phélim Mac Cafferty taking over as the official leader of the opposition.

Councillor Steve Bell leads the Conservatives, now the smallest group on the council.

Green councillor Alex Phillips became mayor of Brighton and Hove, taking over from Conservative councillor Dee Simson, and supported by Labour councillor Alan Robins, who becomes the new deputy mayor.

Councillor Platts and Mac Cafferty will represent the city on the Greater Brighton Economic Board.

Councillor Platts will also chair the council’s powerful policy, resources and growth committee, with her predecessor as council leader, Daniel Yates, becoming her deputy and taking responsibility for finance.

Other committees will be chaired as follows:

Nick Childs (Labour) – children, young people and skills.

Anne Pissaridou (Labour)– environment, transport and sustainability.

John Allcock (Labour) – housing and new homes.

Kate Knight (Labour) – neighbourhoods, inclusion, communities and equalities.

Alan Robins (Labour) tourism, development and culture.

Leo Littman (Green) – audit and standards.

Lizzie Deane (Green) – health overview and scrutiny.

Jackie O’Quinn (Labour) – licensing.

Tracey Hill (Labour) planning.

Clare Moonan (Labour) health and wellbeing board.

The Labour Party narrowly edged out the Greens at the elections earlier this month, winning 20 seats to their 19.

Council meetings are open to the public and start from Tuesday 11 June.