OXFORDSHIRE County Council appointed a new chair yesterday. Gill Sanders, a former Lord Mayor and a city councillor until May, was appointed to take over from Zoe Patrick as its ceremonial, non-political head.

Mrs Sanders is the county councillor for Rose Hill and Littlemore, and her husband, John, is also a member of the authority. He represents Cowley. Both are members of the Labour Party.

Mrs Sanders' vice-chairman will be Les Sibley for the next year. He is an independent councillor for Bicester West.