Her appointment, which will come into effect from 1 September
2018, was confirmed at a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 19
July as Cllr Ric Pallister, who has served as Leader for the past
seven years steps down.
Cllr Keitch, the Liberal Democrat representative for Ilminster
Town and Area West chairman, thanked her fellow members for their
confidence in her and expressed her thanks to Councillor Ric
Pallister for his leadership of the Council.
She said: "He has led the council with distinction and in very
difficult times. I think this council owes him a great deal of
gratitude."
She added: "The Council in line with all local authorities is
facing very challenging times, I look forward to working with all
councillors and staff to ensure that we continue on the path we
have set for facing those financial challenges. South Somerset has
been a leading authority and respected in local government circles
I would intend to work across the Council to ensure that remains
the case. I feel privileged to have been selected to lead the
authority."
Councillors Mike Lewis, Dave Bulmer, Martin Wale and Sue Steele
congratulated the new Leader of Council and paid tribute to
Councillor Ric Pallister for his leadership of SSDC and
representation of the Council at a national level.
Cllr Pallister, who has been the district councillor for the
Parrett ward for 19 years confirmed in June that he would not be
seeking re-election in May 2019 as he hoped to "encourage the next
generation with fresh drive, energy and ideas to continue the
really worthwhile role of representing the people of South
Somerset".
Cllr Mike Lewis, Conservative Leader at South Somerset District
Council, said: "I really want to say thank you to Ric. Ric has
treated us in the Conservative group with respect and involved us
in the decisions he's had to make on a range of important issues.
It's not just locally that he has made his mark but he has
represented this council on the national stage and the significance
of the work he has overseen cannot be underestimated."
Above: Cllr Val Keitch