HEREFORDSHIRE Council has appointed Independent David Hitchiner as its new leader.

The Stoney Street ward councillor was backed by It’s Our County and the Green Party along with his own group - while the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats abstained.

Coun Hitchiner, who is Hereford Cathedral School governor and a solicitor, said he was honoured to be chosen.

“I’m also extremely surprised as many of you are but some of that surprise has been taken away by the Hereford Times who published information about me,” he said.

“I’m excited to be taking this challenge and responsibility, tinged by occasional self doubt.”

Coun Hitchiner said he would work to create a more democratic and transparent council but that running the authority would not be easy as austerity continues to bite.

He said a more inclusive council would be achieved by looking at program panels for cabinet members and at new governance models.

He added that the electorate had given the council a clear steer and that it called for a fresh start with 25 new councillors and more women and younger members being elected.

Fellow Independent Sebastian Bowen was unanimously elected as chairman of the council, his deputy is Conservative Kema Guthrie.

The council is comprised of 15 Independents, 13 Conservatives, seven IOC councillors and seven Greens, six Liberal Democrats.

There are also three councillors without a group.

The Ross North and Whitecross wards are currently vacant.