Kensington and Chelsea RLBC leader Sir Merrick Cockell is set to become the new chairman of the Local Government Association.

Cllr Cockell beat his other rival, Leicestershire CC leader, Cllr David Parsons, in yesterday's election by a clear margin.

He will take over from outgoing chairman, Cllr Margaret Eaton, at next week's LGA annual conference in Birmingham.

South Holland DC leader, Cllr Gary Porter takes over from Cllr David Shakespeare as the leader of the Conservative group on the LGA, while Derbyshire CC leader, Cllr Andrew Lewer, is the new deputy group leader.