South Kesteven District Council leader and deputy swap roles

Independent councillor Ashley Baxter was elected leader on Thursday

A council in Lincolnshire has elected a new leader with the previous post-holder becoming deputy.

Independent councillor Ashley Baxter was elected as leader of South Kesteven District Council at a full council meeting on Thursday.

Mr Baxter, who steps up from his role as deputy leader, was chosen by 29 votes to 25, ahead of Conservative Graham Jeal.

Former leader Richard Cleaver had been in the role since May 2023.

The change between the two independents was the result of an agreement made after an Independent-led coalition was formed after May's local elections, the authority said.

It was agreed that Mr Cleaver would initially "steady the ship" and then step down in January, paving the way for his colleague to take over, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Baxter, who represents Market and West Deeping, thanked his predecessor for "sticking to the deal" and said the current cabinet would remain in place until the council's next annual general meeting.

"I would like to express my thanks to Councillor Cleaver for the honourable way that he has stuck to the agreement we made.

"This change of leadership is not the result of any crisis or instability," he added.

Former leader Richard Cleaver takes up the role of deputy leader

Mr Baxter also called for unity, saying: "There are 70,000 households that are relying on us to deliver efficient, effective, value-for-money services.

"We can only do that if we all play our part and work together, cross-party, cross-chamber, members and officers alike.

"We need constructive abrasion but we all need to remember that, ultimately, we're all on the same team. Thanks for appointing me as team captain," he said.