A new council leader and chairman will be elected at a meeting this evening.

Members of Epping Forest District Council will vote to elect a new leader, a post currently held by Conservative councillor Chris Whitbread.

The new leader will hold the position for four years.

Council members will also select a new chairman to take over from councillor Tony Boyce for a one-year term.

New committees will be appointed and dates will be confirmed for meetings throughout the year.

Tonight’s meeting is open to the public, and runs from 7.30pm at the Civic Offices in Epping.