Two Powys cabinet members quit amid schools row

Martin Weale (left) and Stephen Hayes (right) quit after Myfanwy Alexander came under fire over schools

Powys County Council has been rocked by the resignation of two members of the cabinet, amid rows over a third member who faced a vote of no confidence.

Independent councillors Martin Weale, responsible for economy and planning, and adult social services portfolio holder Stephen Hayes have stood down.

Council leader Rosemarie Harris refused to sack Independent Myfanwy Alexander from education following a scathing report by school inspectors.

She has been moved to another role.

Ms Alexander came under fire after education watchdog Estyn said many Powys secondary schools were weak and the council was failing to tackle budget deficits and surplus places.

It prompted the calling of a special meeting of the council for Wednesday to consider a Liberal Democrat/Green group motion that the authority has no confidence in Ms Alexander to lead the education department.

In a statement confirming the cabinet resignations, Ms Harris, who leads an Independent/Conservative coalition, said: "I thank Martin and Stephen for their work and wish them well for the future.

"Their resignations gives me an opportunity to review cabinet portfolio responsibilities as part of a business case to ensure we have the right balance for the council's operating structure."

Later, Ms Harris confirmed a reshuffle in which Ms Alexander would take on adult social care, while Phyl Davies, of the Conservatives, would take over responsibility for education.

As a result, the Lib Dem/Green group withdrew their no-confidence motion and the special meeting was called off.

• Education chief faces vote of no confidence

• 'Significant concern' at county's school services

• Education head resigns after nine months

It had earlier been suggested to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that responsibilities would be reorganised with Ms Alexander remaining in cabinet.

A source told the LDRS: "Myfanwy is being very stubborn, and is refusing to go.

"The Independent group are also taking this vote of no confidence as a personal attack on them and don't want to be seen as giving in by having Myfanwy moved.

"This could see the coalition broken apart."

Councillors Weale and Hayes were unavailable for comment.