A new leader has been chosen to take the reins of Wycombe District Council after a private meeting of the Conservative leadership last night.

It is understood that Katrina Wood will become leader of the council after being elected by her fellow Tories – who hold 47 out of 60 seats in the chamber.

The decision – which will have to be ratified at a meeting of the full council – means Cllr Richard Scott will step down from the top job, which he has held since 2013.

Cllr Wood, who is also a county and parish councillor, represents the Tylers Green and Loudwater ward.

At last week’s election, she received the largest share of the votes with 2736, and is one of three Conservative councillors to serve the ward.

The Chepping Wycombe Parish Council leader has previously spoken against releasing reserve sites in High Wycombe for housing, voicing her “disappointment” about the Gomm Valley decision in October.

Another meeting 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.