New role for BNP deputy

THE new chairman of the city council's health committee has been named.

Councillor Anthony Simmonds has taken over from Councillor Alby Walker as chairman of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's health overview and scrutiny committee.

The switch came after Mr Walker, the former British National Party group leader, left to become a non-aligned councillor.

Weston and Meir North councillor Mr Simmonds was voted on to the authority in 2006 and is the deputy leader of the eight-strong BNP group.

He is also vice-chairman of the administration and appeals committee.