MALDON District Council has a new interim leader – Conservative Councillor Elaine Bamford.

Selection for the interim role - termed Council Leader Designate – is believed to have taken place at a meeting of the council's Tory group last night (Wednesday, 20 August).

Councillor Penny Channer has been selected as Deputy Leader Designate.

Members of Maldon District Council received the information in an internal email confirmation this morning.

The new leader will remain in the role until a full council meeting in October, though details of this are yet to be confirmed.

Maldon District Council confirmed the appointments. A full statement is expected to be released later.