COUNCIL leader Mike Blomeley has kept a grip on the reins of power in Pendle after the borough’s cabinet was announced following elections.

But his Conservative adminstration will be kept under close scrutiny by rival Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors.

Coun Blomeley, who will be responsible for economic development, has announced an all-Tory cabinet, featuring last year’s mayor Coun Tony Beckett as his deputy and housing regeneration member.

Coun Shelagh joins the slimmed-down executive as community safety champion.

Labour’s Eileen Ansar remains as licensing chairman, her group leader Mohammed Iqbal will be development management chairman and the Lib Dems’ Graham Roach is in charge of the scrutiny team.