WHITEHILL and Bordon has a new chairman following the town council’s annual meeting on Monday.

Taking the chains of office from Colin Leach, Leslie Webber thanked fellow members for unanimously voting her into the hot seat - a decision she felt was “most kind”. She will now serve as the council’s chairman and town mayor for the next 12 months. “Well done for the past year and I hope I can follow your good lead,” she told him.

Mr Leach said it had been a pleasure to hold the position. Mr Leach was voted in as deputy mayor and vice chairman for the coming term.

Nominating him, Mark Davison said Mr Leach’s experience meant he could step in with ease when called upon.

The meeting then saw Mr Davison return for another year as the council’s leader and his deputy, Sally Pond, also remains in situ. The role of chairman and mayor is a civic position, with duties such as attending public functions and acting as the public face of the council. The role of leader is a political post, with the title holder having more of an influence over decision making and broader policies.