ANOTHER of the most openly anti-stadium councillors took one of the top positions last night, becoming chairman, as a new era was ushered in.

Cllr Ian McEnnis, who was re-elected to Chiltern Rise ward, took the title from outgoing Chairman Bill Bendyshe-Brown.

He had been Vice-Chairman last year.

Cllr McEnnis was instrumental in 'calling in' the Cabinet's decision to move forward with plans for Wycombe Air Park, Booker, Great Marlow, as the new stadium site earlier this year.

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He and fellow Chiltern Rise Councillor Jean Teesdale vowed to oppose the plans during the election campaign.

His appointment comes after other key positions were taken up by councillors who have criticised the plans, including new Leader Cllr Alex Collingwood.

Cllr Teesdale, in putting her colleague forward for the Chairman's role at last night's annual meeting, said former High Wycombe Mayor Cllr McEnnis and his wife Sarah made a “terrific team”.

She said the pair would do a “brilliant job” representing Wycombe in the coming year.

On being handed the Chairman's chains, he said: “I feel very privileged and honoured.

"I will do my utmost to uphold all that is good in this district.”

He paid tribute to outgoing Chairman Cllr Bendyshe-Brown, who attended 566 engagements in the last year.

Cllr Hugh McCarthy described Princes Risborough's Cllr Bendyshe-Brown as “a great delegater” who nobody would say no to.

He said he had experienced an “energetic year” and covered “the length and breadth of the district” doing so.

“He has excelled himself,” he said.

New Leader Cllr Collingwood said: “Passion is the word that sums up Bill, that comes up so readily.”

He said as well as showing his enthusiasm for Princes Risborough and beekeeping: “Most importantly passion for people in the district in all the shapes and sizes that they come.”

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown said: “All I can say is that I did my best and that I did it my way.”

He said the role required “great dedication and effort” and thanked wife Eugenie, who was presented with a bouquet, for her support.