The new leader of Huntingdonshire District Council has been confirmed.

Councillor Graham Bull, member for Somersham since 2011, was elected leader at an extraordinary meeting of the council on Wednesday night (July 26).

The appointment came after the former leader, Councillor Robin Howe, stepped down from the position in order to devote more of his time to his duties as deputy mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Councillor Bull was previously deputy executive leader with responsibility for development management and planning enforcement.

Councillor Bull said after taking office: “I am very enthusiastic about my new role and the challenges that lie ahead. I have worked closely with Councillor Howe for several years and will use the knowledge and experience gained to keep the council moving forward.”

He added: “It is an exciting time for Huntingdonshire with the focus on growth and investment in the local economy, whilst facing the continual challenge of delivering good quality services that local people demand in a more economic way.”

Councillor Bull has previous experience in this role having served as leader at the London Borough of Ealing in the 1990s.

Immediately after taking his position as leader, Councillor Bull confirmed his cabinet with Councillor Ryan Fuller, member for housing and planning, assuming the role of deputy leader.