Mid Suffolk District Council has elected a new leader.

At last night’s full council meeting Nick Gowrley was unanimously voted in to the position, who takes over from Derrick Haley.

Mr Gowrley, who was only elected to the council last year, previously worked for Mid Suffolk District Council from 1988 until his retirement as corporate director in May 2012.

After winning his seat in the Stowmarket South ward he was made Mid Suffolk’s Deputy Leader and also portfolio holder for housing.

Mr Gowrley said: “Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to Derrick Haley for all his hard work and inspirational leadership over the last three and a half years.

“Derrick has diligently steered the council through challenging times and he will be a hard act to follow.

“However, he and other members of the previous council have left us with a strong legacy through all their work on the new Mid Suffolk and Babergh joint strategic plan refresh which sets out how we aim to deliver enduring and positive changes for our many and diverse communities and businesses over the next five years.

“Having lived and worked in the district for nearly 28 years, I know what a wonderful place this is and how dynamic and resourceful our communities area.

“There will be difficult times ahead for us, but as Leader I intend to make sure we take full advantage of all the opportunities presented to us, especially those we expect to emerge from the developing Devolution Deal.”