A new chairman has been appointed ahead of the launch of North Yorkshire Council.

Cllr David Ireton, a self-employed butcher and farmer, was elected as the county council’s chair at the full council meeting this week. He has served as the interim chair following the death of his predecessor, Cllr Margaret Atkinson, in November last year.

The new council will launch on April 1, when it replaces Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the remaining district authorities.

Cllr Ireton, who represents Bentham & Ingleton, said:

“I was lucky enough to serve as deputy chair alongside Margaret and her passing came as a huge shock and with great sadness to everybody who had the pleasure of working with her over the years.

“I am honoured to be taking on this role as we launch the new council in April which will deliver many benefits. We now have just one set of councillors who will be accountable for all services, so it’s clear who represents each area.

“There’s also the prospect of a devolution deal in the coming year, which represents a huge opportunity to take on more decision-making powers. It is certainly a time of change for North Yorkshire and I’m proud to be part of it.”

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Cllr Ireton was first elected to the county council in 1999 and has been a Craven district councillor since May 1998. He also sits on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Meanwhile, Cllr Roberta Swiers, who represents Clayton, was appointed vice chair of the council.

Both will be in post until May this year.