NEWLY elected leader of West Oxfordshire District Council James Mills says there is a "very big job" to do across the district.

Mr Mills has set out key areas which he sees as priorities during the coming year, after being elected as new leader yesterday.

At the full council meeting he paid tribute to his predecessor Sir Barry Norton, who stepped down from his 12-year leadership role due to ill health.

Mr Mills, 40, said: "Barry has left a fantastic legacy which I hope with all of your help we can build on because we have a very big job to do over the next couple of years.

"In everything I do I will put the residents of West Oxfordshire first and foremost because we all have to remember that we are working on their behalf."

Mr Mills, who is district councillor for Witney East, said his main priorities included overseeing the completion of the Local Plan, working to create 100 per cent superfast broadband coverage, and continuing the highly-praised free parking policy throughout the district.

Mr Mills added: "I genuinely enjoy helping people to make the most of the fantastic part of the world we live in."

He also announced the make-up of his cabinet at the meeting.

Councillors Toby Morris and Jeanette Baker are the new members taking over the responsibilities of Resources and Leisure and Health.

Councillor Robert Courts has been appointed deputy leader and will continue with the mandate of Communities and Housing, while Councillor Warwick Robinson will remain responsible for Strategic Planning and Economy.

Councillor Colin Dingwall will continue with responsibility for Innovation and Shared Services while Councillor Richard Langridge is to take on the environment role.

And Councillor Norman MacRae has been re-elected as chairman of WODC with Councillor Maxine Crossland as his deputy.