The new chairman of Three Rivers District Council will be Lib Dem Councillor Les Mead.

Councillor Mead, the current deputy chairman, will be officially appointed during a full council meeting on Tuesday (May 21).

He takes over the 12-month position from Councillor Kemal Butt and his chosen charities will be the Three Rivers Museum Trust and the Peace Hospice.

Councillor Mead admits the non-political nature of the chairman means he may have to hold his tongue sometimes.

He said: "I am most certainly looking forward to the 12 months ahead, it is going to be great representing the residents of Three Rivers.

"I expect I will have to bite my tongue on occasion, I will still have my thoughts but won’t be saying anything on Twitter that’s too controversial.

"I am into history in a big way and would like to use my chairmanship to promote Three Rivers Museum which is one of my chosen charities along with the Peace Hospice."

Councillor Mead’s deputy is yet to be confirmed.

There is also a change of leadership within the district’s opposition Conservative group with current leader Councillor Chris Hayward stepping aside to make way for Councillor Ralph Sangster.

Councillor Ty Harris is also taking the role of deputy leader.