Cllr McShane, a borough councillor since 2011, grew up and went to school in Park Barn, where she still lives, representing Westborough.

Already the lead for Community on the Executive, she will be adding Housing to her portfolio.

The new leader said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the group to keep our momentum going for the local elections in May.

George Potter is the new deputy leader

“Despite the progress we’ve already made, key challenges such as the climate emergency, housing, protecting public services, and supporting jobs and the local economy still remain.

“I’m determined that we deliver for our town and borough.

“This will be more important than ever as we emerge on the other side of the pandemic.

“I’m excited to be leading a team of caring and committed councillors who have the community at the heart of all their work.

Tom Hunt promoted to the GBC Executive

“As we move past lockdown, it will be great for us to meet physically again and enjoy the energising group spirit that comes from in-person shared conversations.”

Cllr Tom Hunt (Friary & St Nicolas) is joining GBC Executive as the new lead for Development Management, and Cllr Jan Harwood (Merrow) will be the new deputy council leader, continuing as lead for Climate Change.

Some might be surprised that Jan Harwood, who had been deputy group leader until Caroline Reeves’ resignation, has not taken over as group leader.

Jan Harwood becomes deputy council leader

But his appointment as deputy council leader indicates he continues to be a senior member of the Lib Dem group which will still be holding their routine annual internal elections for all group leadership roles this summer.

Technically, appointments of Cllrs McShane and Potter to their roles expire then but both are entitled to seek re-election to new full terms of office at the group AGM and it is considered unlikely they will be challenged.