COUNCILLOR Jill Tuck was appointed the new Conservative leader of Cambridgeshire County Council on Friday after winning a six-way race for Shire Hall s top political job. Cllr Tuck was elected by the county council s Conservative group, although her app

COUNCILLOR Jill Tuck was appointed the new Conservative leader of Cambridgeshire County Council on Friday after winning a six-way race for Shire Hall's top political job.

Cllr Tuck was elected by the county council's Conservative group, although her appointment will have to be formally ratified by a meeting of the full council on Tuesday (May 13).

The Fenland councillor succeeds Keith Walters, who announced his intention to stand down as leader (for the second time) on May 9.

Cllr Tuck, who is married and lives in Wimblington, was first elected to the county council in 1993.

She represents the Waldersey ward - which includes Elm, Parson Drove and Wisbech St Mary.

"It is a great honour to be appointed leader of the county council," she said. "There are big decisions and daunting challenges ahead which I will be discussing with colleagues over the coming weeks - such as how to tackle congestion in Cambridge and how to improve adult services - but I am confident that with the support of my Conservative colleagues, we can make the right decisions for the people of Cambridgeshire."

Cllr Tuck faced opposition for the leadership from five colleagues, including Cllr David Harty who represents Little Paxton and St Neots North.

Cllr Harty told The Hunts Post: "Jill Tuck is very well supported at Shire Hall and will do a great job for the county.