Essex County Council appoints new leader

Councillor Peter Martin is to take over as leader at Essex County Council with immediate effect, following the resignation of Lord Hanningfield.

Conservative Mr Martin, who was deputy leader, was voted in at a full council meeting at County Hall.

Lord Hanningfield resigned as leader after he was charged in connection with his House of Lords expenses.

Lord Hanningfield faces six charges of falsely claiming expenses as a member of the House of Lords.