Peter Martin is new leader of Essex County Council (From This Is Local London)

Peter Martin is new leader of Essex County Council

10:53am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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ESSEX County Council has announced a new leader in the wake of Lord Hanningfield's departure.

Former deputy leader Peter Martin has taken over the top job with immediate effect following a vote at a full council meeting.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to this position. Essex County Council is one of the most dynamic and innovative authorities in the country that over the last few years can genuinely say that it has led the way in doing things differently when it comes to improving the quality of life for its residents.

“This success and record of achievement is due, in part, to the strong leadership of my predecessor. I would like to pay tribute to the role and significant contribution that Lord Hanningfield has made over the past ten years as leader of the authority and throughout his time as a member. He leaves Essex County Council is an enviable position in regard to the quality of its services and finances.

“I would like to emphasise that Essex County Council’s commitment to delivering excellent public services and value for money for Essex residents is as strong as ever. We have the largest savings programme of any council in Britain that will deliver £300 million of savings over the next three year by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining internal processes.

“Our ambitions for delivering the best quality of life and working with our excellent employees to help deliver fantastic services year round remain as bright as ever.”

Lord Hanningfield resigned his position as leader after learning he will face criminal charges in relation to his expenses.