DUDLEY Council has voted in a new leader at tonight's meeting of the full council.

Councillor Qadar Zada has taken over the top role after a vote in the council chamber this evening (Thursday).

The former cabinet member for finance has taken over from Councillor Pete Lowe, who announced he was stepping down as leader earlier this month.

Cllr Zada said: “It is a great honour to be leader of the council, something I am very proud to do as I have lived in the Black Country all my life.

“I am very passionate about providing the best public services we can and making sure we put the people of this borough first."

Cllr Zada was first elected to the council in 2011 as ward councillor for Netherton, Woodside and St Andrews.

He has also served as cabinet member for adult social care and chairman of the development control committee.