George Reynolds, Tory leader on Cherwell district council, has landed the top job as head of the council's new executive.

He will lead an eight-member executive made up entirely of Tories.

The council has decided on an executive rather than a cabinet as part of the shake-up in local government.

From this week, the executive will make all council decisions. They will be scrutinised by select committees, which are made up of the other elected councillors.

Cllr Reynolds, who represents the Wroxton ward, said: "As we move to a new constitution of the council, it could be argued that many of us feel there is no need to change the system -that has probably been said in numerous council chambers throughout the country. It will be more member-led than officer-led.

"I hope that we can all do our best to make sure that this system works. No doubt over the next six months we will have little hitches into the next council year, when we are all up for re-election."

Other members of the executive are Andrew Fulljames, deputy leader and executive member for housing; Fred Blackwell, executive member for development; Andrew Payne, executive member for resources, Kieron Mallon, executive member for recreation David Markham, executive member for the environment; Lawrie Stratford, executive member for community planning; Eric Heath, best value.