A NEW council leader for Hastings has been announced after the sudden death of Jeremy Birch.

Councillor Peter Chowney has been confirmed as the new leader of Hastings Borough Council after stepping up from the deputy role.

Coun Chowney said he could not be “a pale imitation” of his predecessor and would be a different leader.

A minute’s silence was held during the annual council meeting and tributes were paid to Coun Birch following his death on May 6.

At the same meeting Councillor Bruce Dowling was unanimously elected mayor for a second year and Judy Rogers was unanimously elected deputy mayor, also for a second time.