TRIBUTES were paid to Conservative Haslemere borough councillor Robert Knowles at Waverley’s annual meeting, when he stepped down as leader for health and family reasons.

Mr Knowles, who has served as leader for the last six years, is succeeded by his deputy Farnham councillor Julia Potts. He will continue to serve as a ward member.

First elected in 2011, Miss Potts has previously held the position of portfolio holder for leisure and culture. Following her election as leader, she appointed Godalming Holloway councillor Tom Martin as her deputy.

She also appointed the members of Waverley Executive. The new portfolio holders are councillors:–

Carole King – housing

Brian Adams – planning

Andrew Bolton – economic development.

Ged Hall – finance

Kevin Deanus – community services.

Jim Edwards – environment.

Jenny Else – health, wellbeing and culture

Miss Potts said: “It is a great privilege to be leader of the council.

æTogether with my colleagues on the executive we will look to find new innovative ways to support and improve services while keeping budgets balanced.

“Meeting the needs of Waverley residents is the purpose of the council and I aim to work in partnership with all tiers of local government and partner organisations to ensure we get the best value for money and the possible quality of services for all.”

Mr Martin told the meeting customer service and communication would be a key focus for the new executive, building on existing relationships with town and parish councils, Surrey County Council and the Government, as well as developing relationships with key groups in the borough.

• Farnham Weybourne and Badshot Lea councillor Chris Storey was voted in as Waverley’s new mayor – Chiddingfold councillor Simon Inchbald was appointed as his deputy.

“Waverley is full of superb countryside, a selection of quintessential villages, settlements and towns and has many wonderful caring and tight-knit communities,” Mr Storey said. “It will be an honour to spend this year serving the people and their communities in Waverley as best I can.”

Mr Storeychose the Royal Surrey County Hospital’s Cedar Centre, which provides the diabetes and endocrinology services, and Farnham-based Change of Scene, which provides respite, educational and leisure facilities for disadvantaged young people, as his two nominated charities.