THE reins of council leadership were passed on last night, with outgoing Lesley Clarke leaving her successor a warning – 'watch your back'.

Cllr Alex Collingwood officially became Leader at the annual meeting, where 25 new councillors took their seats following the May 5 elections.

Cllr Clarke, who cited family reasons for stepping down after eight years, told assembled councillors and the public: “I'm sure that Alex is already finding out that the job is not insignificant and there's a lot to do.

“I do hope he is fully supported by his Cabinet and that they show total loyalty.

“This position has many ups and downs and I'm sure he will find that in coming months.”

She said it had been an “honour and privilege” to head up “team Wycombe” but finished by telling her successor, with a touch of jest, “enjoy and I want to warn you: watch your back.”

She said his roles chairing various committees in the past – most notably the scrutiny committee which delivered a damning assessment of the community stadium – would stand him in good stead.

He was also Deputy Leader before the Cabinet system was brought in under the Leadership of Cllr Pam Priestley.

Cllr Collingwood thanked Cllr Clarke for her eight years in charge and also thanked his wife Emma and two children, Nick and Abi.

“Despite what the press wants to tell you me and Lesley Clarke got on very well,” he said.

A new top team have also been assigned Cabinet position.

“I have a great deal of confidence in my new Cabinet,” Cllr Collingwood said.

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The new leader added he wants to “take this great area forward”.

He said he felt “honoured” to take up the role and aimed to tackle new challenges facing WDC including the Government's new agenda, knocking down council tax, improving recycling and a new sports centre at Handy Cross.

He said a fuller vision to set out future plans would come later in 2011 in the corporate plan.