Cllr Trevor Bartlett has been elected as the new leader of Dover District Council.

He was voted through at last night's full council meeting.

He replaces Cllr Keith Morris who resigned suddenly on October 14, also leaving his ward seat.

Cllr Sue Chandler had been the interim leader until last night.

Cllr Bartlett, who represents Little Stour and Ashstone for the Conservatives, has been a Dover district member for 24 years,

He was first elected in 1995 to represent the then Woodnesborough and Staple ward.

Cllr Bartlett has served two terms as a Cabinet member, firstly from 2003 to 2011, and since 2015.

He is also currently the chairman of Staple Parish Council.

Cllr Bartlett, said: “It’s a huge honour to lead the council. I look forward to working with members, officers and the local community on what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

“We’ll be consulting on the new Local Plan, continuing to secure new investment, jobs and housing, and putting the district on the map with the launch of a new tourism strategy and as hosts for The 149th Open in Sandwich."

As the portfolio holder for environment and commercial services, Cllr Bartlett has recently overseen several major council initiatives, including bringing the parks and open spaces service back in-house,

He has also overseen the development of the new Dover District Leisure Centre in Whitfield, which opened in February.

In addition he is the lead member for both of the major National Lottery Heritage Fund projects in the district at Kearsney Parks and the refurbishment of the Maison Dieu, Dover Town Hall.

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