Coun Sue Loudon is now in charge of overseeing the borough's education services following the shock defeat of Brian Wilson in the town hall elections earlier this month.
The Atherleigh ward councillor, a popular member of the council for 14 years, becomes the new Cabinet member for Children and Young People, just days after being appointed to the Cabinet.
Former Coun Wilson was the controversial figurehead for steering the Local Education Authority through difficult times, including the re-organisation of special needs education and the closure of popular Mere Oaks in Standish.
With classroom rolls continuing to fall across the borough, prompting further evaluation of possible school closures in the near future, Coun Loudon will certainly face similar challenges.
Coun Loudon, who has a daughter, Jenny, was widowed late last year when her husband, Phil, collapsed and died on Boxing Day, aged just 57.
Coun Loudon, 56, said: "I'm quite overcome really and just very honoured to be chosen. I think it's a very big job with a lot of responsibility. I'm quite grateful to the leadership that they have decided to put it in my hands.
"It's going to be a challenge because Brian (Wilson) has been doing it for 16 years and doing it really well - he's a hard act to follow.
"I'll do my best because it's such an important job. I believe these young people are the future of our community.
"We've got a lot of work coming up a lot of with Building Schools for the Future money going into the high schools beginning in 2009."

Wigan's cabinet 2008/09:
* Leader :Lord Smith.
* Children and Young People (education): Coun Susan Loudon.
* Healthier Communities and Older People: Coun Keith Cunliffe.
* Neighbourhood: Coun Kevin Anderson.
* Improvement: Coun Chris Ready.
* Environment and Regeneration: Coun Dave Molyneux.
* Culture: Coun Brian Baldwin.
* Lifestyle (planning): Coun John Hilton.
* Equality: Coun Terry Halliwell.
* Organisational change: Coun Paul Prescot.