A new leader of Hertfordshire County Council has been appointed after the death of the predecessor following an illness.

David Williams was welcomed into his new role at a full Hertfordshire County Council meeting on Tuesday, after Robert Gordon, who was the previous leader for 10 years, died on October 6.

Speaking during the meeting, he thanked other members for their support and said: “It is a huge honour to be your choice to lead this council and a privilege to serve the people of Hertfordshire.

“I will work hard to match the passion and dedication that Robert Gordon exemplified during his ten years as Leader before his untimely death in October.

“His defining legacy of Hertfordshire as the County of Opportunity is something I intend to continue taking forward; supporting council officers to deliver services to our residents that meet their expectations.”

Mr Williams added he aims to focus on ensuring infrastructure is considered when new homes are built.

He said: “A key priority is the need to deliver infrastructure to support the growth that’s planned for the county – and in particular those areas where we have direct responsibility, such as schools and roads. We need to plan for some 100,000 new homes and 100,000 new jobs in Hertfordshire over the next fifteen years. We also need to take a positive approach to influencing the delivery of housing that addresses local need and helping to secure and deliver supporting infrastructure.

“None of this can be achieved alone and we need to work even more closely with our local and national partners to advocate on behalf of those who live and work in Hertfordshire. We must ensure that the growth works for everyone and that any new development is co-ordinated and properly thought through.

“I intend to work with colleagues from across the political spectrum, to take forward a partnership approach with district, borough, town or parish councils, private sector developers and other public sector partners such as the NHS, fire and police.”