Cllr Keith Artus was formally elected as chairman of Uttlesford District Council for 2014/15 at the annual meeting last night (Tuesday 13 May) after making the Statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

Cllr Artus, one of the Conservative members for Broad Oak and the Hallingburys, took over the chains of office from Cllr Eric Hicks, who served as chairman in 2013/14.

Cllr Artus has chosen Help for Heroes and British Heart Foundation as his nominated charities for the year.

Later Cllr John Salmon, Conservative member for Stansted North, was sworn in as the council’s vice-chairman for 2014/15.