COTSWOLD District Council has welcomed a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the coming year.

Councillor Clive Bennett has been confirmed as the new Chairman and his Vice-Chairman is Councillor Mark Annett, ward member for Campden-Vale.

They were both elected at the annual council meeting yesterday (Tuesday) where council leader Lynden Stowe, welcomed the newcomers while paying tribute to the outgoing Chairman Councillor Sir Edward Horsfall.

“I am sure that Clive and Mark will do a great job based on their past performance," said Cllr Stowe.

"Clive is stepping up after serving for two years as a very able Vice-Chairman, and Mark is vacating his post as a well-respected Chair of the Licensing Committee to become Clive’s right hand man.

“Sir Edward has been a great ambassador for the Council over the last two years, a period which coincided with several memorable occasions, including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the two Olympic torch events in the district.

"He has been a tireless fund raiser for his nominated charities – Gloucestershire Young Carers and the local branch of the Stroke Association – and has also chaired Council meetings very effectively.”

In the Cabinet, Councillor Barry Gibbs has stepped down and is being replaced by Cllr Chris Hancock as Cabinet Member with responsibility for Enterprise and Partnerships.

Councillor Julian Beale takes over from Cllr Annett as Chairman of the Licensing Committee while Councillor Robin Hughes and CouncillorJim Parsons were re-elected as Chairs of the Planning and Audit & Scrutiny Committees.