THE county's ex-Tory council chief, who was ousted last year, will replace the councillor at the centre of a gay slur storm in a prominent Cabinet position.

Cllr James Malliff, who was suspended by the Conservatives over his comments on homosexual marriage, has been asked to step down by Wycombe District Council Leader Cllr Alex Collingwood.

David Shakespeare, the ex-Buckinghamshire County Council Leader, has been appointed his replacement as Cabinet Member for Big Society and Localism.

Cllr Malliff only took on the role after the May 2011 elections.

He wrote on twitter in October: “We may as well legalise marriage with animals, crude I concede but no apology”.

The Hazlemere representative, a Christian, later apologised for any offence and said it had been misconstrued.

His suspension by the Tories ended just before Christmas.

A council committee ruled in November there would be no action against Cllr Malliff, but Labour challenged the decision.

The fact this review is still ongoing was key to why Cllr Malliff was asked to quit, Cllr Collingwood said.

The Monitoring Officer, in charge of the investigation, has decided to appoint an external investigator which WDC said is normal practice in these circumstances.

“In light of this delay, I decided that, as it is the start of a very busy time for this area of work with the implementation of the recently passed Localism Act during 2012, I would appoint David Shakespeare,” Cllr Collingwood said.

He spoke to Cllr Malliff on December 23 and confirmed the decision with him on December 30.

In May last year Cllr Shakespeare quit after ten years as BCC Leader, having lost out in a vote to now chief Cllr Martin Tett.

On the Big Society and Localism successor, Cllr Collingwood said: "David will be a very welcome and valued addition to my Cabinet thanks in part to his many years of experience in local government and his tireless work in our local community.

“He joins my team at the start of a very busy time for this area of work during 2012 with the implementation of the recently passed Localism Act.”

The Localism Act was published on 15 November and will be implemented in stages throughout 2012.

The Coalition aims to divert some power away from Westminster to residents and community groups on issues such as planning, with the Localism legislation.

Councils look set to be given greater responsibilities.

The Big Society, one of David Cameron's flagship policy, has been criticised for being unclear and confusing.

But essentially, it seeks to encourage and aid community, charitable and volunteer groups to have a greater say and more power.

Cllr Collingwood added: “David will, I know, continue on the work started by James Malliff, for which I take this opportunity to give him my personal thanks for his contribution in this role during 2011."

Cllr Shakespeare served on the district council since 1976 and currently represents Tylers Green and Loudwater. He officially starts the role on January 10.