BUSINESSMAN Anthony Stodart has been announced as the new chairman of East Lothian Conservative and Unionist Association.

The Kingston farmer and company boss has succeeded Tim Jackson in the role and is looking forward to a busy few years, with East Lothian Council elections taking place next year.

Mr Stodart was announced as chairman at the group’s AGM earlier this month.

He will be joined by a newly reconfigured executive supported by Catharine Corry, who replaces Sarah Russell as organising secretary in the party’s Haddington office.

Mr Stodart said: “I am honoured to be taking over from Tim as chairman of the East Lothian Conservative and Unionist Association.

“I have inherited an energetic team and have a new organising secretary in Catharine Corry.

“This will help as we look to broaden our membership base over the coming years and to ensure that the Scottish Conservative and Unionist voice is heard and our policies are known and understood in East Lothian.”

Farmer Mr Stodart, who runs country clothing and outdoor supplies business ArdMoor, was welcomed into the post by South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy.

Mr Hoy, who is also a councillor for the Haddington and Lammermuir ward on East Lothian Council, said: “I look forward to working with Anthony, Catharine and the new executive team to build on our successes in East Lothian.

“The new team is already gearing up for next year’s council elections and I look forward to working with them as our regional MSP during this period and beyond.”