Veteran councillor Bill Chapple has today been appointed as the new chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council.

The member for Aston Clinton and Bierton - who has been a councillor since 1977 - steps up from his previous role as deputy chairman after being formally nominated for the role at a full meeting of the council this morning.

He replaces previous chairman Zahir Mohammed, the member for Booker, Cressex and Castlefield.

Cllr Chapple said: "I truly do look up to Zahir. His speeches were from his heart and his head, and will be remembered for many years to come.

"If I can copy him, I will be delighted. He's done an exemplary job as chairman."

Replacing him as vice chairman of the council is former Wycombe District Council chairman and Wycombe Mayor Val Letheren, the member for Terriers and Amersham Hill.