EAST Hampshire District Council's cabinet is due for a reshuffle next week, with the body set to be rearranged "to fall in line with the district's priorities". The full council meeting, on Wednesday, May 14, will decide the make up of the cabinet – the council's decision-making body. While it is recommended that current EHDC leader Ferris Cowper will retain his post, it's likely that deputy leader Sam James – who has held the post since 2002 – will be replaced by East Meon councillor David Parkinson. Mr Cowper said: "After months of detailed consultation with local residents, we are developing a new council strategy that will be published in a few months. "At this annual council meeting I am recommending that our decision-making structures reflect local priorities more closely. "For example, I am proposing that Whitehill/Bordon and climate change become cabinet portfolios in their own right as they will be among the council's top priorities over the next few years." n Steep Parish Council by-election is on Thursday, May 22. The two candidates up for election are Nicholas Owen Hurst, of Willowmead, Steep Marsh, Steep, and Suzanne Openshaw, of Mill Lane House, Mill Lane, Steep. Polling stations – at Steep Village Hall, on Church Road, and The Half Moon pub on London Road – will open from 7am-10pm. Electors can vote by post or by proxy, but applications for postal votes must be received by 5pm next Wednesday, May 14. Application forms are available from Hannah Smith on 01730 234093.
