The new leader of the Conservative Group on Cotswold District Council has been announced.

Cllr Mark Annett, a chartered surveyor, will take over from outgoing leader Cllr Lyden Stowe on 16 May after being elected at a meeting of Conservative councillors.

Cllr Annett, who was elected to the council in May 2009, is currently chairman of CDC and previously chairman of the licensing committee.

"I am honoured to have been elected as the leader of the Conservative Group on Cotswold District Council," said Cllr Annett (pictured).

"I look forward to working with a fantastic team of Conservatives across the district in the best interests of all residents throughout the 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."