THE new leader of Malvern Hills District Council is cllr Ralph Madden, who was elected on Tuesday night.

Cllr Madden replaces Serena Croad, who resigned from the leader's post last month, because her family is moving away from Malvern.

Cllr Madden, until this week the council's deputy leader, will hold the post until the next leader is formally chosen in June.

In his first act as leader, cllr Madden nominated cllr Joe Smith to fill the vacancy on the council's executive committee as portfolio holder for finance.

Cllr Smith, who was elected to represent the Chase ward in 2007 at the age of 18, is the youngest-ever member of the executive committee.

At Tuesday's meeting, Cllr Croad thanked fellow councillors, and council staff for all their help while she served as leader.

She said: “Although I am sad to be leaving, I feel this council has a real sense of where it is going. I am confident that this council will continue on its journey of excellence; providing best value for money services to our residents, well into the future.”