A TORFAEN council cabinet re-shuffle has seen the executive member for children and young people step down, and a 26-year-old councillor promoted in another role.

The former member for corporate governance and community safety, Cllr David Yeowell, became executive member for children and young people, following the decision of Cllr Brian Mawby to give up the post.

Cllr Daniels will fill the role vacated by Cllr Yeowell.

The Llantarnam councillor said he was “pleased to be given a chance”. Mr Daniels added: “It’s really exciting. I’ll take as much training as possible and get to grips with the role as quickly as I can.”

Questioned about his age, the labour councillor said: "I offer a young person’s perspective and that’s something cabinet has been missing, the same as a lot of other cabinet across Wales.

“It’s nice to be given the responsibility. I’m keen to make a difference – that’s what I came into politics to do.”

Cllr Mawby, said the position of executive member for children and young people was never one he intended to fill long term.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed much of what I’ve tried to do. But being told by a distressed teenager that I’m ruining her education is not something you can easily brush off.

“I have been to 15 schools during the last year and seen a lot of good work going on there. I’ve met a number of really effective head teachers.”

Mr Mawby said he reserved his greatest admiration for the staff in the education department.

Torfaen’s education department was placed into special measures at the end of March 2013, after failing to make enough progress on recommendations made by the schools’ inspectorate Estyn.

Cllr Mawby said: “I want to say I’ve been proud to work with these officers. They are a credit to Torfaen. They stuck with us and are very much part of the solution which we are now beginning to see."

Cllr Richard Clark remains member for health, social care, well-being and equalities, as does Cllr Gwyneira Clark remain the executive member for housing, planning and public protection. Cllr John Cunningham remains member for neighbourhood services and Cllr Anthony Hunt for resources.