LOYALTY was rewarded by triumphant Tories when they reappointed Independent group leader Ted Draper to their Salisbury district council cabinet this week.

Even though the Conservatives now have a clear seven-seat majority following their election gains, they gave Mr Draper a job in the new cabinet at Monday night's annual council meeting.

He has been switched from deputy planning and economic development spokesman to deputy environment and transport portfolio holder.

The appointment was announced by Kevin Wren after his re-election as Tory leader of the council.

Mr Wren said he was delighted with the May 1 council elections results, which had given the Tories 31 seats, Labour 11, the Liberal Democrats 9 and Independents 4.

He said the electorate had shown confidence in the Conservative administration and he promised that their faith would be justified.

But despite the party's clear majority, they would still work closely with the Independents, who had sustained them in office for the past two years.

He thanked the Independents for their loyalty and said he had decided to reappoint Mr Draper to the cabinet because he appreciated his "support and counsel". Mr Wren went on to praise the Labour group, who have moved into second place ahead of the Liberal Democrats, saying they were a "competent, professional and constructive group".