A Chorleywood politician has won the battle to become second in command of Hertfordshire County Council.

Conservative councillor Chris Hayward was announced as Hertfordshire County Council’s new deputy leader following an internal party election triggered by the former incumbent, David Lloyd, quitting the post.

Mr Lloyd resigned after he was elected as Hertfordshire’s new police and crime commissioner earlier this month.

Following his election Councillor Hayward said: "It is an honour to be appointed to this important role. While this is a challenging time to take on the role, I am looking forward to working with all councillors, officers and residents to help Hertfordshire prosper."

Before his election Councillor Hayward was already a member of the ruling Conservative cabinet on the county council and held the portfolio for libraries and localism.

However, he will not be inheriting the same job as his predecessor, Mr Lloyd, who also held the resources and economic wellbeing portfolio when he was deputy leader.

Robert Gordon, the council’s leader, has stripped the portfolio from the role of deputy leader and taken the job on himself.

Councillor Hayward will retain his portfolio for libraries alongside his duties as deputy leader.

This week Councillor Gordon praise Mr Lloyd for the work he did as deputy leader.

He said: "David has done a grand job as my deputy and I wish him all the best in his new responsibilities as Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire. The county council has always enjoyed a close working relationship with the police and David's new role will ensure we continue to work well together.

"I was delighted to appoint Chris as the new deputy leader for Hertfordshire County Council. Chris is an experienced and well-respected councillor who is already part of the Cabinet. I look forward to working with him for the benefit of Hertfordshire's residents."