A NEW leader on Cotswold District Council (CDC) has been elected. 

Mark Annett will take over the leadership of the Cotswold Conservative group from May 16, after outgoing leader Lynden Stowe steps down. 

Current leader Cllr Stowe announced late last month that he would be standing down after 11 years as leader to spend more time with his family and to focus on his business.

Cllr Annett, who represents the Campden and Vale ward, was elected following a meeting of Conservative councillors on Cotswold District Council.

He said: “I am honoured to have been elected as the Leader of the Conservative group on Cotswold District Council and I look forward to working with a fantastic team of Conservatives across the District in the best interests of all residents throughoutthe Cotswolds.

"I would also like to thank Cllr Lynden Stowe for all his hard work over the last 11 years. His dedication to public service is an example to us all.

"I want to lead a Council that will live up to its motto - United We Serve - to serve each and every one of our residents and communities across the Cotswolds.

"We live in a wonderful part of the country but we must remember that everyone living here deserves the very best public serves that this council can provide.”

Cllr Lynden Stowe said: “I would like to congratulate Mark on his election.

"Having worked with him very closely for a number of years, I know he has the first class qualities and commitment to continue taking the council forward and at the same time protecting our highly valued public services."

Cotswold Lib Dem Leader Joe Harris commented: "The last three leaders on the district council have now come from the same town, there is a feeling amongst many parts of the district that they have been forgotten about, Cirencester and the South Cotswolds in particular.

"I hope as a priority he'll be looking at reducing the 2,350 houses proposed for Chesterton as allocated in the Conservatives' local plan and ensure that all communities in the district get housing that meets their needs.

"He must also ensure that the ward councillors can vote on the planning application for the site.

"The Lib Dems will continue to hold the administration at CDC to account on their poor record and I look forward to working constructively with him on issues where there is common ground."