The Conservative group at Maldon District Council (MDC) has a new leader and deputy.

Councillor Penny Channer, formerly deputy leader of the group, is stepping up to lead the Tories at MDC following the sudden resignation of previous group and council leader, Councillor Elaine Bamford, in November.

The new deputy for the Conservative group is Councillor Maddie Thompson, who was deputy leader when Councillor Adrian Fluker was group and council leader, resigning from the role back in August.

Cllr Thompson resigned from the Tory group at the council, too, in the midst of the political turmoil of the past few months at the authority, but rejoined it in the days before the council's Statutory Annual Meeting on 5 November.

It is understood that both councillors have taken up their new roles with immediate effect. This also means that Cllr Channer is now Leader of the Opposition at MDC.

For a full list of councillors, their wards and political affiliations, visit the Maldon District Council website via this link