A new chair has been appointed to head the soon-to-be launched North Yorkshire Council after the death of the former chair Cllr Margaret Atkinson.
Cllr David Ireton, a self-employed butcher and farmer, was elected as chair at yesterday’s full council meeting. He served as the interim chair following the death of his predecessor in November last year.
The new council will be launched on 1 April when eight county, district and borough authorities merge to pave the way for a devolution deal.
‘I was lucky enough to serve as deputy chair alongside Margaret and her passing came as a huge shock and with great sadness to everybody who had the pleasure of working with her over the years,’ said Cllr Ireton.
‘I am honoured to be taking on this role as we launch the new council in April which will deliver many benefits. We now have just one set of councillors who will be accountable for all services, so it’s clear who represents each area.
‘There’s also the prospect of a devolution deal in the coming year, which represents a huge opportunity to take on more decision-making powers. It is certainly a time of change for North Yorkshire and I’m proud to be part of it.’
