HATHERLEIGH and Chagford county councillor James McInnes has been named as the new deputy leader of Devon County Council.

Cllr McInnes replaces Dawlish county councillor John Clatworthy, who stepped down from the role. He will continue to serve Dawlish from the back benches.

Cllr McInnes was elected unopposed at the annual council meeting in May. He said he was ‘honoured and delighted’ to take up the post. He will retain his current responsibility for schools and children’s services alongside his new responsibilities.