Tackling climate change will be a specific portfolio responsibility for one member of the new Carlisle City Council executive team.

Conservative John Mallinson was voted in as leader this week, and has since appointed fellow Tory councillors to each portfolio role.

Among them is Wetheral and Corby councillor Nigel Christian, who now has responsibility for environment and transport.

Mr Mallinson said that included in that was a specific focus on work to tackle climate change.

“He has a professional background in waste, having worked for Cumbria County Council, so he will be leading on that. As leader I will also be taking a keen interest myself,” he said.

Gareth Ellis, councillor for Belah and Kingmoor, was named deputy leader by Mr Mallinson and will also hold the portfolio for finance, governance and resources.

Two Stanwix and Houghton councillors feature on the executive - Mr Mallinson’s wife Elizabeth and long-serving Paul Nedved.

Mr Nedved will hold the economy, enterprise and housing portfolio, while Mrs Mallinson will be responsible for communities, health and wellbeing.

The final portfolio - for culture, heritage and leisure - goes to Stephen Higgs, who also represents the Wetheral and Corby ward.

The executive is responsible for the day-to-day running of the council, however any major decisions will still have to go in front of the full council and be subject to scrutiny.

Mr Mallinson was named as the new leader following a vote at Monday’s full council meeting.

Prior to the vote, both the Conservatives and Labour had failed to strike a formal coalition deal with the remaining councillors - four independents, one Liberal Democrat, one Green and one Ukip.

Following the May 2 election, the Tories had 17 seats and Labour 15 - both short of the 20 out of 39 needed to take control.

On the day of the vote, Mr Mallinson was backed by Lib Dem Trevor Allinson, Ukip’s John Denholm and independent Jeff Bomford.

Labour’s Colin Glover got votes from Green councillor Helen Davison and independents Rob Betton, Jack Paton and Ray Tinnion, meaning Mr Mallinson won by just one vote.