A NEW chair of North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) has been appointed following the death of his predecessor.

Cllr David Ireton, a self-employed butcher and farmer, was elected as the county council’s chair at today’s (February 22) full council meeting.

He has served as the interim chair following the death of Cllr Margaret Atkinson on November 14, 2022, who previously held the role.

Cllr Ireton said: “I was lucky enough to serve as deputy chair alongside Margaret and her passing came as a huge shock and with great sadness to everybody who had the pleasure of working with her over the years.

READ MORE: Norton: The small town with lots of character

“I am honoured to be taking on this role as we launch the new council in April which will deliver many benefits.  

“There’s also the prospect of a devolution deal in the coming year, which represents a huge opportunity to take on more decision-making powers.

“It is certainly a time of change for North Yorkshire and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Cllr Ireton has been a Craven district councillor since May 1998 and is Craven’s member champion for Armed Forces and Equalities. He is also a member of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

READ NEXT: ‘I am so sad to hear this’ – Readers react as iconic York music shop to close

The new deputy chair who was also appointed at today’s full council meeting is Cllr Roberta Swiers, of the Cayton division.

They will be in post until the May annual general meeting when a decision will be taken on a new chair and deputy chair.