A NEW leader of Essex County Council has been elected following the resignation of Lord Hanningfield.

Roddy Ashworth

A NEW leader of Essex County Council has been elected following the resignation of Lord Hanningfield.

Businessman Peter Martin, former deputy leader of the council, was made leader yesterday with immediate effect.

His election follows the resignation of former council leader Lord Hanningfield, who is one of four parliamentarians facing criminal charges over their Westminster claims.

Mr Martin said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to this position.

“Essex County Council is one of the most dynamic and innovative authorities in the country that over the last few years can genuinely say it has led the way in doing things differently when it comes to improving the quality of life for its residents.

“This success and record of achievement is due, in part, to the strong leadership of my predecessor.

“I would like to pay tribute to the role and significant contribution that Lord Hanningfield has made over the past 10 years as leader of the authority and throughout his time as a member.

“He leaves Essex County Council in an enviable position in regard to the quality of its services and finances. I would like to emphasise that Essex County Council's commitment to delivering excellent public services and value for money for Essex residents is as strong as ever.

“We have the largest savings programme of any council in Britain, that will deliver �300million of savings over the next three years, by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining internal processes.

“Our ambitions for delivering the best quality of life and working with our excellent employees to help deliver fantastic services year round remain as bright as ever.”