PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- The Providence City Council won't look the same this fall, after a petition resulted in a major shakeup in leadership. The council announced on Monday that Councilman Pedro Espinal was elected by a majority of his colleagues to serve as majority leader, while Councilor Sue AnderBois was elected to serve as deputy majority whip. "Providence faces real challenges including the outrageous cost of housing, the struggling school system, and the need to modernize our infrastructure," Council President Rachel Miller said in a statement. "I'm grateful for Councilman Jim Taylor's service and looking forward to the addition of Majority Leader Espinal and Deputy Majority Whip AnderBois to the Council leadership team as we meet these challenges and create new opportunities for all Providence residents." City Council press secretary Roxie Richner told 12 News the council voted after eight out of 15 city councilors -- including Miller -- signed a petition to oust Councilman James Taylor from the majority whip role and replace him with Espinal. In a social media post late Sunday night, Taylor said he would still remain focused on serving the best interests of his constituents, but also slammed Miller in the process. "While some of my colleagues want to use the council as a platform to address national and international issues, my focus has always been on local concerns that mean so much to our neighbors," Taylor said. "Sadly, it appears that my no nonsense approach to city governance has become an impediment to the council president who would rather focus on lofty ideology than practical city matters." According to a news release, Espinal will now work more closely with Miller and other councilors to develop strategies to advance the majority's priorities on "housing affordability, education, climate, and more." Espinal was first elected to the City Council in 2019 to represent Ward 10, which includes the Washington Park and Lower South Providence neighborhoods. He also serves as chairman of the Committee on Ordinances and as a member of the Committee on City Public Works, Committee on City Property and the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits. In a statement, Espinal said "bold ideas and strong leadership" are needed. "This council is made up of hard-working, committed advocates for all fifteen wards of the city," Espinal said. "I look forward to doing all I can to help them realize our shared vision of a vibrant, affordable Providence, where every resident has a fair shot at success.” Espinal is also a real estate investor and has served as chairman of the Southside Broad Street Steering Committee as well as chairman of the Providence Latino Business Association. "With many years of experience working to improve quality of life on Providence’s South Side, Councilman Espinal brings the kind of leadership the Council needs in this pivotal moment,” Miller said.Ward 3 City Councilor AnderBois was elected in 2023 and represents the Mount Hope, Hope Village, Collyer Park and Blackstone neighborhoods. "From the need to overhaul our infrastructure to prepare for the impacts of climate change to ensuring our roads are safe for pedestrians, bikers, drivers, and transit riders, this council is laser focused on the issues that matter most to our community," AnderBois said. "I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to deliver real change and improve lives.” AnderBois also chairs the North Main Street Task Force and the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency, and is vice-chair of the Committee on City Property. She's also a member of the Committee on Finance and the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education. "Councilor AnderBois is a relentless advocate for our community, bringing a powerful energy and focus to the causes she champions," Miller said. The Providence City Council Leadership Team also includes President Miller, President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris, Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves. Alexandra Leslie ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.