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A HAMPSHIRE council has elected a new leader after the previous holder of the post was prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
Cllr Barry Rickman resigned as head of New Forest District Council after he appeared in court and admitted breaking environmental laws.
The new leader of the authority is his former deputy, Cllr Edward Heron.
The Conservative member for Downland and Forest ward was elected at the latest meeting of the authority and immediately paid tribute to Cllr Rickman, saying he had provided "excellent leadership" over the past 12 years.
Cllr Heron is also a verderer, a member of Hampshire County Council's ruling cabinet and a member of the New Forest National Park Authority.