THE next leader of the Vale of White Horse District Council will be Roger Cox.

Witney Gazette:

He will replace current leader Matthew Barber when he steps down next week.

Mr Barber is taking a full-time job as Thames Valley's deputy police and crime commissioner later this month.

Mr Cox, who is currently the council's deputy leader and member for planning, is expected to be formally elected by councillors at a meeting next Wednesday.

He is also a district councillor for Faringdon.

His deputy is expected to be Ed Blagrove, a councillor for Kennington and Radley, who is member for corporate services, and who was chosen by Tory colleagues on Tuesday.