LABOUR councillors in York have reshuffled their "shadow executive" bringing former city council leader back into a prominent role.

Cllr Dafydd Williams, who led City of York Council until the May 2015 local elections, is stepping back into the shadow executive to take over the transport portfolio.

Labour group leader Cllr Janet Looker said: "Cllr Williams will be a tremendous addition to the Labour frontbench and I look forward to working closely with him once again. Transport is such an important area of policy for this council and Dafydd will push the council’s coalition, in a constructive way, where it is falling short. I’m pleased to have him on board."

Cllr Williams said he was delighted to be taking the role on, and would be challenging ruling councillors over air quality, parking and bus services in York.

He also said he wanted to York to join other northern cities in making the case for infastructure investment to improve rail links across the region.