Yvonne Rees has been named as the new chief executive of South Northamptonshire and Cherwell DCs at a time when Oxfordshire districts have become embroiled in a bitter spat with the county over unitary plans.

Ms Rees said the role was a ‘hugely exciting opportunity' as Oxfordshire CC continues to push for a single unitary for the area – a plan described as ‘wreaking devastation' on residents by the leader of Cherwell DC, Cllr Barry Wood.