ROB Humby has been elected as the man to take the Winchester Conservative party forward.

He confirmed on Tuesday night that he is to succeed Cllr Keith Wood, who stepped down last month.

Cllr Humby was elected on Friday by fellow councillors, though he is still to be officially confirmed as leader by the wider party. That will take place at a forthcoming Conservative AGM.

He said: “I’m very pleased that I’ve been elected. Every leader puts his own feelings and thoughts into it, but the focus will be on the economy – as it has been since George Beckett, and Keith followed that through and I intend to follow it through as well.

“The priority now is to retain control of the council.”

Cllr Humby has served for two years as deputy to Cllr Wood, who said he will not seek another term at the next election.