ANDOVER-based councillor Phil North has taken over as leader of Test Valley Borough Council - bringing to an end Ian Carr's 18 year tenure.

The Conservative councillor was confirmed as the authority's new leader at TVBC's annual council meeting today.

He takes over from stalwart councillor Carr, who has held the role since May 1999.

Councillor North, who represents the Alamein ward, said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by my colleagues to lead the Council.

"I’d like to thank them for putting their trust in me.

“I want to lead a council that makes it clear to people that if you’re a resident who lives in Test Valley, a business that plies its trade in Test Valley or an organisation that operates in Test Valley we will be on your side, helping you achieve your aspirations.”

Paying tribute to predecessor, Ian Carr, he added: “I have some big shoes to fill.

"Councillor Carr has led Test Valley assiduously and expertly for 18 years and leaves an extraordinary legacy.”

At today's meeting, councillor North also announced his first cabinet as leader.

Perhaps the biggest shock comes in the departure of long-term deputy, councillor Martin Hatley, who will no longer hold a position in the cabinet.

He will be replaced as deputy leader and planning portfolio holder by Blackwater Ward member councillor Nick Adams-King, a newcomer to the cabinet.

Stalwart housing and environmental health portfolio holder, Sandra Hawke, also leaves the cabinet.

Paying tribute to both councillors Hawke and Hatley, councillor North said: "I’d like to thank councillor Martin Hatley for all his years’ service as planning policy and transport portfolio holder and deputy leader.

"I am especially thankful that he bequeaths us a revised borough local plan that has not only has been found sound by the planning inspector but also tested in the high court.

“I also wanted to say a special thank you to councillor Sandra Hawke who has expertly and diligently served as housing and environmental health portfolio holder for many years.”

Existing cabinet members councillor Peter Giddings (Finance), councillor Graham Stallard (Environmental) and councillor Tony Ward (Community and Leisure) all retain their existing roles.

Councillor Phil Bundy moves from the planning and building portfolio to assume responsibility for housing and environmental health.

Alongside councillor Adams-King, cabinet newcomers include Maureen Flood, who will take on the corporate portfolio.

Councillor David Drew will take on the newly created role of economic development and tourism.

Talking about the new role, councillor North said: "In creating a new portfolio of economic development and tourism I want to demonstrate to residents and businesses that Test Valley is firmly focused on attracting investment into our borough and will continue to be the best business friendly council.

"We all also recognise the major challenges facing our town centres which is an area the new portfolio will focus on.”