A new chairman and vice-chairman were appointed at a council meeting last night (May 24).

Cllr Richard Bassett is the new chairman of Epping Forest District Council following the retirement of Cllr David Stallan.

He is seconded by Cllr Ricki Gadsby as vice-chairman.

In his closing speech, Cllr Stallan spoke fondly of teeing off at Chairman’s Charity Golf Day and getting stuck in on an aircraft simulator, at the Ongar Festival and with the Youth Council, amongst other key events.

He said: "What a year and what an experience. As I said 12 months ago when I was elected I never expected to be chairman.

"I would never have missed it for the world. Unfortunately all good things come to an end. It has been an honour to be your chairman."

The outgoing chairman, who raised £5,500 for local charities and Diabetes UK during his year at the top, also paid respects to the 11 sitting and former councillor who died during that time and thanked his daughter Amy, wife Sue and secretary Pat Seager for their support.

Leader Cllr Chris Whitbread said: "A good chairman brings the whole council together. You had a brilliant year. Thank you."

Councillors Stephen Murray, Caroline Pond, Anne Grigg, Jon Whitehouse and Stephen Neville echoed Chris Whitbread’s words, thanking Cllr Stallan for his service.

In one of his first acts as chairman, Cllr Bassett presented Cllr Stallan with a long service medal for 19 years representing the residents of North Weald.

Cllr Bassett’s nomination for chairman was proposed by Cllr Mary Sartin.

He took on his first cabinet role in 2010 before accepting the role of vice-chairman last year.

As a trustee of Epping Forest Community Transport, Cllr Bassett also wants to raise its profile along with young people’s sports groups during his year as chairman.

Other key appointments made last night include Cllr Liz Webster as chairman of Plans Sub Committee West, Cllr Paul Keskaas chairman of Plans Sub Committee East, Cllr Darshan Sunger as chairman of Plans Sub Committee South, Cllr Brain Sandler as chairman of the District Development Management Committee and Cllr Mary Sartin as chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Tributes were also paid to former Nazeing ward councillor Elizabeth Downes who died on May 7.