Councillor Ann Shaw has stepped down as leader of Three Rivers District Council.

Cllr Shaw will be replaced by Cllr Sara Bedford.

In a brief statement, Cllr Shaw said: "It is 30 years since we took over the administration of Three Rivers District Council from the Conservatives, which is long enough for one person to be leader.

"This does not mean any reduction in my commitment to TRDC and the community. In fact I need to be able to spend more time working to sort out some local problems and issues."

Cllr Bedford said: "Ann is going to be a difficult act to follow, but I will have my own ways of doing things. It's a good time to become leader after the huge vote of support for the Lib Dems at the elections earlier this month.

"I look forward to working with residents, local organisations, staff, and other councillors across the district, to keep Three Rivers as the top rated council in Hertfordshire, delivering quality services that are value for money."