The leader of North Yorkshire County Council has vowed not to make major changes as he starts his job today.

Conservative John Weighell was chosen to succeed Councillor David Ashton at a meeting of all elected members.

He said: "David Ashton did an excellent job.

"My methods and my style will be different to his, but there will be no fundamental changes at the council."

Coun Weighell represents Bedale, of which he has been a member for eight years.

He joined the Conservatives in 1999. He had been an independent councillor previously.

He inherits a council which has changed in recent years, the most significant difference being the introduction of cabinet style local government.

He said: "Leading that is the job that I have taken on. It is very different to what it was before, but we've been using that system for nine months now and we're getting used to it."

Coun Ashton stepped down as leader last week after deciding to spend more time with his family.

He continues to be a councillor, representing Fulford on the authority.

Updated: 09:13 Thursday, June 21, 2001