Cllr David Leytham during his time as chairman of Lichfield District Council

Lichfield District Council’s new chairman has admitted he can’t wait to get going in his new role.

Cllr David Leytham was sworn in earlier this week, with Cllr David Smith taking up the post of vice-chairman.

The position will see him represent the district at a wide range of functions, including royal visits, community and charity events. He will also raise money for good causes during his year in office.

Cllr David Leytham
Cllr David Leytham

“I am very much looking forward to my year as chairman,” said Cllr Leytham. “It will be a great honour to represent Lichfield District Council.

“I am especially pleased that it will give myself and my wife Jan a chance to meet people from across the district to find out more about the good works that are going on.

“The charities I will be raising money for are Lichfield Young Carers and Lichfield Arthritis Care.”

Cllr Leytham took over the role from Cllr Ken Humphreys who said he had enjoyed a “wonderful year”.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be chairman,” added Cllr Humphreys.

“I especially enjoyed attending the Buckingham Palace Garden Party, where we met the Duchess of Cambridge.

“We have enjoyed a series of visits with other civic heads from across Staffordshire and neighbouring counties, including a trip to Moorcroft Pottery which was very interesting. Attending 14 carol services in December certainly got me in the festive spirit, the most memorable being Saxon Hill’s Nativity play in the cathedral – there was not a dry eye in the house!

“My year ended with two royal visits. We had the honour of welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to Beacon Park in April, and then my final official engagement was at the National Memorial Arboretum to see The Countess of Wessex unveil the memorial to the Bevin Boys.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.