TENDRING Council’s finance boss Peter Halliday has been voted in as the authority’s new leader.

Neil Stock, who has led the district council for almost four years, officially stood down at a meeting last night.

He announced his intention to resign from the role at the council’s cabinet last month, following which he backed Conservative colleague Mr Halliday for the job.

Opposition councillors nominated independent St Osyth councillor John White to take over, but Mr Halliday won the election with 33 votes to 26.

Following the meeting, Mr Stock said he did not intend to stand again at the next district council election and wanted to give his successor a chance to get their feet under the table.

Mr Halliday praised Mr Stock for the way he has run the council over the past four years.

“He has led this council with honesty and integrity,” he said.

“I have big shoes to fill and hope that I am up to the job.

“I will be leading this council with an open mind and an open door.”

Mr Halliday is expected to name the members of his cabinet early next week.