A new leader has been appointed for Herts County Council following the death of former leader Robert Gordon.

David Williams – executive member for resources property and the economy – will be taking on the role after standing unopposed.

He said in his first full council meeting: “It is a huge honour to be your choice to lead this council and a privilege to serve the people of Hertfordshire.

“I will work hard to match the passion and dedication that Robert Gordon exemplified during his 10 years as leader and his untimely death in October.

“His defining legacy of Hertfordshire as the county of opportunity is something I intend to continue taking forward; supporting council officers to deliver services to our residents that meet their expectations.

“This is not a fresh start and I am immensely grateful for my predecessor, as well as my existing cabinet colleagues and senior officers who show their expert calibre on a daily basis.

“I am also very grateful for the experience of Teresa Heritage as the deputy leader and am pleased to have her on board with many complementary skills.”

Councillor Williams represents Herts County Council on the board of the Herts Local Enterprise Partnership and the London Stansted Cambridge Consortium.

Councillor Judi Billing, Leader of the Labour Group at HCC, said: “I congratulate David Williams on being elected as leader of the county council, and Teresa Heritage as deputy leader.

“I hope and expect that David will be a fair leader, willing to listen to many views before coming to decisions. I particularly hope that he will uphold his predecessor’s commitment to democracy which is inherent in the debates we are able to have in cabinet panels and the difference we are able to make in our communities through meaningful locality budgets.”