THE leader of Thurrock Council has defended her decision to appoint two deputy cabinet members.

At full council annual meeting in May it was announced Cici Manwa, Labour councillor for Tilbury Riverside and Thurrock Park, was to be appointed to support Cllr Vikki Hartstean in her role as cabinet member for children's equalities and diversity, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

Aaron Green, Labour councillor for West Thurrock and South Stifford, was also set to be appointed deputy to support Cllr Lee Watson, cabinet member for good growth agenda and economic development.

During the past week's full council meeting when the appointments were brought up for official confirmation, council leader Cllr Lynn Worrall came under fire for introducing the posts without consulting councillors.

She responded by saying: "This isn't about titles. It is about talent and succession planning and developing the next generation of leaders.

"I believe that they are the future leaders of this borough and I believe that their leadership doesn't begin when everything's perfect. It begins when you're trusted and tasked to take responsibility speaker represent residents, pushed out of your comfort zone and learn sometimes the hard way these walls aren't just ceremonial."

Cllr Green said opposition to the roles was "political grandstanding".

He added: "I will be shadowing in the portfolio of good growth abroad and vital area that covers everything from planning to economic development. With the backdrop of devolution and local government reorganisation we must be match fit for the future. This means preparing now to ensure Thurrock remains strong, forward thinking a retains focus

"This is about real work and I will be giving it my all, day in, day out to support the betterment of Thurrock."

Cllr Manwa said her junior portfolio focuses on diversity and inclusion youth engagement in politics and tackling violence against women and girls.

She said: "I'll be working closely with officers and community organisations to explore new ways to tackle violence against women and girls.

"This is a scourge on our society and while much of the national debate is rightly focused on policing and justice we know that local councils often have a critical role to play."

However, Tory councillor Ben Maney, chair of the authority's corporate overview and scrutiny committee, said the roles - with allowances of £5,997 per annum each, backdated to May - would be seen as favours for Labour councillors.

He said: "Thurrock residents looking from the outside in will really see this as jobs for the boys. My concern is that this is almost like a decree by the leader. It hasn't been for any formal process.

"I think when you're making this kind of change there does need to be a bit of a clear process to justify this. I genuinely think this is more about perks for Labour councillors."