The current leader of Wycombe District Council Richard Scott says he is “disappointed” not to be continuing in the role after his replacement was chosen last night.

Cllr Scott, who was returned by voters to his Marlow South East seat last week, was voted out of the position following a private meeting of the Conservative group last night.

He will be replaced by Katrina Wood, with the decision to be made final at the next full council meeting on May 26.

He said: “I was disappointed not be selected as Leader of Wycombe District Council at a meeting of the Conservative Group held on Wednesday evening.

"I have devoted much time of my time during the last two years to Council activities and always worked in the best interests of the residents of the District.

"In particular, I have focussed on the exciting Handy Cross development and on the major regeneration schemes for the centre of High Wycombe.

"I shall now concentrate on serving the residents of Marlow on the Town, District and County Councils."

Cllr Scott took on the leadership in 2013 from Marlow colleague Alex Collingwood, and has overseen projects including the approval of a major new layout of High Wycombe town centre.

And closer to home, he oversaw the response to the devastating flooding in his home town of Marlow last winter.

Cllr Scott also presided over an election campaign which saw 47 Tory councillors elected to WDC – six more than last term.

Another meeting of the Conservative group will take place on Saturday to determine further positions within the administration.

It is not yet known who has been handed the top cabinet positions.