The new leader of Somerset County Council has promised to deliver a unitary authority which will "care for all and listen to all our residents".

The county council met at the Canalside in Bridgwater on Wednesday morning (May 25) for the first time since the Liberal Democrats were swept to power in the local elections earlier in the month.

Newly-elected council leader Bill Revans announced his ten-person executive, invoking Somerset's Anglo-Saxon past and promising to steer the county through the transition to the new unitary Somerset Council over the next 11 months.

In a passionate speech, he also pledged to address the cost of living crisis, climate change, and make urgent improvements to both the county's road network and the vulnerable children in the authority's care.

Here's what you need to know:

What did the new leader say?

Mr Revans – who represents the North Petherton division – began his speech by referencing Alfred the Great, who sought refuge at Athelney on the Somerset Levels in 878 in the face of a Viking invasion.

He said: "England started here on a small island called Athelney, on the boundary of my division and David Fothergill's [the former Conservative leader]. In a much, much smaller way we will make history this year.

"The first priority of this administration and all of this council is to 'get unitary done'. I am not sure whether the phrase 'oven-ready deal' is really appropriate., but there is a recipe and ingredients left behind for us to work with."

Mr Revans pledged to devolve power to towns and parishes as part of the transition to the unitary, saying that he wanted to "give residents a genuine role in shaping how the new council will operate."

He added "It is crucial that we give local people the confidence that this very large council will not be distant and unresponsive.

"Many of us on this side of the chamber took a different view on the future of local government to the secretary of state.

"However, he has made his decision and we will pick up the baton and do the job to the best of our ability.

"I am determined that within the boundaries set by the government, this administration will strain every part of what a unitary council can do to support our vision of a fairer Somerset, a greener Somerset, a more flourishing Somerset. A Somerset that cares for all and listens to all its residents."

Who's in the executive?

Mr Revans heads up a new executive of ten members – with each member having an assistant member to reflect the burden of work associated with the transition to the new unitary.

As well as leading the council, Mr Revans will take responsibility for governance and communications – being assisted by Councillor Derek Perry (Rowbarton and Staplegrove), whom Mr Revans described as "a superb communicator [who] brings a huge amount of wisdom and insight from the legal profession."

Councillor Liz Leyshon (Street) will serve as deputy leader and be in charge of finance and human resources portfolio, being assisted by Councillor Peter Seib (Brympton) – a pairing Mr Revans said "have a keen eye for detail and will help us run a prudent council".

Former Wells MP Tessa Munt will head up children's services, providing what Mr Revans called "astute and influential leadership" as the council seeks to improve its Ofsted rating.

She will be assisted by Councillor Caroline Ellis (Bishop's Hull and Taunton West), whom Mr Revans described as "a passionate advocate for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities".

Councillor Heather Shearer (Mendip West) – who stood unsuccessfully to be Somerset's police and crime commissioner last year – will be put in charge of adult social care, providing "a firm and compassionate hand" in tackling the challenges that come with the county's ageing population.

She will be assisted by Councillor Mike Stanton – who unseated Tory cabinet member Clare Paul in the elections as one of two successful candidates in the Curry Rivel and Langport division.

The county's many transport problems – including the proposed dualling of the A358 – will be the responsibility of Councillor Mike Rigby (Lydeard), who will also be responsible for digital infrastructure, including broadband.

He will be assisted by Councillor Mike Hewitson (Coker), whom Mr Revans said was "enthusiastic about ensuring our communities are better connected".

Councillor Adam Dance (South Petherton and Islemoor – and the youngest member of the executive) will be in charge of public health, equalities and diversity, assisted by Councillor Ross Henley (Blackdown and Neroche).

All three leaders of the Lib Dem-controlled district councils in Somerset have been given executive positions – with Mendip leader Ros Wyke (Mendip West) heading up development and assets, Somerset West and Taunton leader Federica Smith-Roberts (Taunton East) taking communities, and South Somerset leader Val Keitch (who narrowly defended her Ilminster seat) being put in charge of local government reorganisation and "prosperity" (i.e. economic development and inward investment).

They will be assisted by Councillor Sarah Wakefield (Blackdown and Neroche), Councillor Nicola Clark (Blackmoor Vale) and Councillor Dave Woan (Yeovil Central) respectively.

Finally, the environment and climate change will be the responsibility of Councillor Sarah Dake (Blackmoor Vale) – who was recently selected as the Lib Dems' candidate in the event of a by-election in the Somerton and Frome constituency – and her assistant, Councillor Dixie Darch (Rowbarton and Staplegrove).

In addition to running the executive, the Lib Dems are also serving as the ceremonial chair and vice-chair of the council – with Councillor Mike Best (Crewkerne) and Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey (Taunton South) respectively being elected unopposed.

What happens now?

The new executive will be responsible for all county council services and will oversee the local government reorganisation programme to establish the new single unitary council, which will formally take charge on April 1, 2023.

After this date, they will be responsible for all services currently delivered by the county and four district councils, ranging from adults' and children's social care to highways and housing, and from libraries to planning and licensing.

Mr Revans concluded: "In just ten months, this council will become the first unitary council for Somerset. That's one single council, providing all the services currently managed by the county and district councils

"It is a new future for Somerset. This is a historic moment – maybe not on a par with King Alfred in the 9th century, but we will do all we can to make it great."