Sam Smith, 27, set to become new council leader

A new leader has been announced for Nottinghamshire County Council.

Three candidates put themselves forward for the role after the Conservative authority's current leader, Ben Bradley announced he would be stepping down in December following a "challenging" year and two election defeats.

Sam Smith, who is cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities, was announced as the group's new leader on Monday.

He is expected to be confirmed as the authority's new leader at a full council meeting on 5 December.

After being elected, Smith thanked Bradley and said Nottinghamshire was a "far better place" thanks to his leadership.

"Here at County Hall, this Conservative administration will keep delivering on the priorities of Nottinghamshire's residents and I am honoured to have been elected as the next Conservative leader," Smith said.

"Working alongside fantastic colleagues, I will do all I can to continue to make Nottinghamshire a better place to live, work and visit."

Smith is the authority's councillor for Newark East and represents Trent Valley on Gedling Borough Council.

At the age of 27, he will be among one of the youngest leaders in the country when he takes over.

Bradley has congratulated Smith on X.

He said: "I'm certain that I leave the group in good hands as I move on to pastures new."

Kate Foale, leader of the Labour group at the council, said: "The face may have changed but it's still the same tired party behind it, out of ideas and failing to deliver."

By Hugh Casswell, political reporter, BBC Nottingham

Sam Smith describes himself as a "low tax Conservative" on the right of the party.

He was an active Brexit campaigner and supported Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Robert Jenrick in their respective leadership contests.

At just 27, he looks set to become one of the youngest council leaders in the country.

But with a razor-fine majority in the council chamber and local elections just six months away, he doesn't have long to get his feet under the desk.

If the Tories were to lose just a handful of seats in May, he could also end up being one of the shortest-serving leaders.

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