Councillor Rowena Hay has been confirmed as the new leader of Cheltenham Borough Council.

The appointment of the former cabinet member for finance and assets to replace Councillor Steve Jordan was confirmed by the full council.

Councillor Hay has represented the Oakley ward for the Liberal Democrats since 2010 after a previous term from 2002-6.

She said: "I'm delighted to become council leader and plan to follow in Steve's footsteps and work with calm, diligent and ambitious leadership.

"This has been a time of great upheaval for us all. Our communities face many and varied challenges.

"I will work to ensure our communities are able to not just recover from the pandemic, but also prosper in a way that respects our environment too."

She continued: "I have said already that my plan is to press ahead with some key projects that the council has led over the past few years and I really do mean that.

"The Golden Valley development will be an internationally significant hub for cyber security. Our investment in new homes for young people and families will continue, with £180million just the starting point. And the work of the Cheltenham Economic Recovery Task Force will ensure that business prospers.

"The groundwork has been laid for the future success of our town. We have a plan to deliver it."

Mr Jordan, who spoke to Punchline earlier this year about his 30 years on the council and 12 as leader, will remain as ward councillor in All Saints until the next elections in May.

The council's chief executive Gareth Edmundson: "I very much look forward to working with Rowena to achieve Cheltenham's ambition to make the borough the cyber capital of the UK, deliver inclusive growth, tackle child poverty and help everyone in Cheltenham to thrive."