Lundie becomes leader of the council

The 44-year-old was elected as council leader at a meeting on Thursday night after his predecessor, Graham Jones (Con, Lambourn), stepped down.
Mr Lundie, who is married to Rose with whom he has two sons, has represented Lambourn ward since 2003 and takes up the role of leader with immediate effect.
"It is a privilege to be council leader,” Mr Lundie said. “It carries with it responsibilities I will execute to the very best of my abilities.
“My aim will be to lead a council that provides services of the highest possible standard and which represent good value for money, while at the same time meeting the very real financial challenges that face districts and their communities everywhere."
Selection of a new leader was triggered by the announcement from Mr Jones in August that, after seven years in the role, he was standing down to give more time to his professional interests.
However, at the same meeting on Thursday it was announced that the outgoing leader will remain in the executive; taking over the health and wellbeing portfolio from David Betts (Purley on Thames) who is currently battling a serious illness.
Mr Lundie said: “Councillor Betts has taken this opportunity to stand down from the executive. On behalf of the council I would like to thank him. We will miss him in his executive role and wish him a very full and speedy recovery.”
Tributes were also made to the outgoing leader, who was described by chairman of the council, Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland), as a ‘strong’ and ‘resolute’ leader.
Meanwhile leader of the Liberal Democrats, Jeff Brooks (Thatcham West), said: “There is no hiding place as leader and Graham hasn’t sought to hide.”
Mr Jones thanked his wife, Julie, who was in the council chamber for the first time, for her support during his tenure as leader of the council.
“It’s a part of my life and something I know I will miss in the future,” he added.
All Conservative councillors approved Lundie’s appointment as leader of the council, with none of the Liberal Democrat members registering a vote.
Mr Lundie, who works for UCB Pharmaceuticals in Slough, has previously been a member of the executive cabinet with responsibility for children’s services.
He was also a key figure in the council plan, which detailed how the authority will change over the next few years.