Coun Pat Case has been replaced as Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children and schools.

She has clocked up more than 25 years as a councillor and was handed the role after the Conservatives took control of County Hall in June.

Speaking from her home in Heath Charnock, Coun Case denied the leader of Lancashire County Council Geoff Driver had dumped her over how she executed the role.

She said: "The leader has the right to replace me on the cabinet if he prefers another member. I enjoyed the role and had long prepared for it so I feel very sad.

"There were no complaints about how I was doing the job and I will continue to represent the people who elected me."

Coun Case added: "I had a minor altercation with one member of staff when we were moving jobs and afterwards I came home and sent her an email apologising for being grouchy.

"We had a long chat about how we would work in the future and since then have had a really excellent relationship. There was never a formal complaint."

Coun Case was also criticised when a list of rural schools, described by opposition leaders as a hit list for closures, was leaked to the media only a matter of weeks ago.

In a statement council leader Coun Driver said: "County Councillor Susie Charles is taking over from County Councillor Pat Case as Cabinet Member for Children and Schools.

"I would like to thank Pat for her work for the council and for her commitment to improving the lives of children.

"I welcome Susie to this senior role in Cabinet, and I know she will make a significant contribution to developing our services for children and their families.

"Helping Lancashire's children and young people lead safe, productive and healthy lives remains one of the county council's top priorities."

County Coun Case is also deputy leader of Chorley Council and deputy leader of the Chorley Conservative group. She will remain a member of county council.

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