Cheltenham Borough Council to adopt a new-style leader

Changes are to be made to the way Cheltenham Borough Council is run after politicians voted to adopt a new style of leader.

From May 2012 the leader will be elected for four years although they can be removed earlier by resolution of the full council.

The new-style leader must also appoint a deputy leader.

New legislation requires some councils to adopt either a directly elected mayor or new style leader.

Assistant chief executive Jane Griffiths, from Cheltenham Borough Council, said: "The council is obliged to adopt one of the options for the new executive arrangements.

"The government could, in default, impose the new-style leader and cabinet model on the council, so I'm pleased the recommendation put forward has been approved at full council."