Uttlesford Conservative Group has announced that Cllr Howard Rolfe has been elected as the group leader elect.

It follows Cllr Jim Ketteridge’s recent announcement of his intention to step down from the role prior to next May’s election.

A former chairman of the Constituency Conservative Association, Cllr Rolfe currently has cabinet responsibility for communities and partnerships at Uttlesford District Council, and is chairman of the Local Strategic Partnership.

He has worked in both the private and public sectors including a two year secondment to the cabinet office and is a former non-executive director at Papworth Hospital.

Cllr Rolfe said he was honoured to have been elected to be Cllr Ketteridge’s successor.

“Jim has been an outstanding leader of Uttlesford District Council for seven years and has turned the council from the verge of bankruptcy to one of the most successful and respected councils in East Anglia,” he said.

“If ratified by the council, I look forward to representing everyone in Uttlesford and continuing to deliver and support high quality services that enhance the community.”

Cllr Ketteridge said: “I have been the Uttlesford Conservative group leader for 11 years, four years in opposition between 2003 and 2007 and as leader of the majority group for seven years.

“I, and the Conservative Group, have every confidence in Howard Rolfe whom I have worked with closely during my time as group leader. I will continue to serve as the Conservative Group leader and leader of the council until a date for the handover is announced.”