New highways chief appointed after suspension

Macaulay Andrew Nichol described his appointment as being a "tremendous honour"

A council has appointed a new highways chief after the previous role holder was suspended by his party.

Conservative-controlled North Northamptonshire Council suspended Matt Binley as its executive member for highways, travel and assets last week, pending an investigation into undisclosed matters.

Councillor Macaulay Andrew Nichol, who represents the Corby rural ward, will now take on the post with Mr Binley to sit as an Independent.

Nichol said his appointment was a "tremendous honour".

He said: I'm thrilled to be working with everyone on creating policies that take North Northamptonshire forward.

"This is an exciting time to be part of the authority and I very much look forward to getting started."

Jason Smithers, leader of NNC, said: "Macaulay has shown great determination and dedication since our authority came into being in April 2021 and very much deserves his place at the table to help the team make key decisions on making the council and the whole area the best it can be."

Nichol's portfolio covers a range of services, including highways and transport, on-street and off-street parking, refuse, recycling and waste and property and estates management.

Binley, who represents the Brickill and Queensway ward in Wellingborough, previously said a statement on his suspension would be issued "in due course".