RYEDALE District Council (RDC) has decided who will lead the authority’s various committees.

Nominating last year’s chairman Cllr Michael Cleary to take up the role once again, Cllr Keane Duncan, who is the new leader of the district council, said: “I think Cllr Cleary’s done an excellent job as chair this year.” The nomination was approved by 24 votes to five.

Cllr Cleary said: “Thank you for that honour and for this honour of being asked to stay on.”

Cllr Janet Frank was voted in as vice-chairman.

The elections to the various council committees caused more controversy.

Ryedale District Council operates a committee system rather than a cabinet, with most key decisions steered by the influential policy and resources committee.

For policy and resources, Cllr Keane Duncan was nominated by Ryedale First independent Steve Arnold as chairman, and in return nominated Cllr Arnold as deputy chairman. For the planning committee, Conservative councillor Caroline Goodrick was voted as chairman, with Ryedale First independent Snowy Windress elected as her deputy.

Cllr Simon Thackray said that the votes were the result of discussions before the meeting.

“It would appear to me that all these positions have been secretly arranged,” he said.

Cllr Lindsay Burr added: “Planning is supposed to be non-political.”

The overview and scrutiny committee, which examines the council’s performance and

attempts to hold the authority to account, will be led once again by Liberal party councillor John Clark.

Nominating Cllr Clark, Cllr Mike Potter said: “I believe he has performed this position admirably and fairly and there are issues which require continuation.”

Cllr Clark was voted in unanimously with fellow Liberal Cllr Carrie Brackstone elected deputy.