Soham district councillor Mark Goldsack has been elected as East Cambridgeshire District Council’s new Chairman.

This is a civic role to uphold and promote the purposes of the Constitution and preside over meetings of the Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and with regard to the rights of councillors and the interests of the community.

He is pictured here (left) receiving the Chairman’s medallion and a scroll from Cllr Alan Sharp, who steps down after two years as Chairman, but retains his role as Woodditton ward councillor.

The ceremony took place at the Council’s Annual Meeting on Thursday (25 May).

Also at the meeting, Cllr Anna Bailey, who represents Downham Ward, was confirmed as the returning Leader of the Council.

Cllr Bailey’s role is to have overall responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the Council's Vision and Corporate Plan. She also has political responsibility for effective corporate governance of the Council.

Cllr Julia Huffer, who was re-elected to Fordham and Isleham Ward becomes the Deputy Leader.

Cllr Lorna Dupré, who represents Sutton ward, was confirmed as the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Cllr Charlotte Cane, who represents Bottisham ward, was confirmed as Deputy Leader.

The appointments have been made after the Conservatives retained administration of the Council with 15 seats won at the District elections on May 4. The Liberal Democrats won 13 seats. A full list of councillors, including the Chairs and Vice Chairs of each committee is available here.