After being elected the new chairman of East Devon District Council, Councillor Cathy Gardner admitted that the authority faced a very difficult period and was "in a terrible financial state".

Councillor Gardner, a member of the Independent East Devon Alliance who represents the Sidmouth Town ward, was elected this evening.

New vice-chairman Val Ranger, a fellow alliance member who represents Newton Poppleford and Harpford, was also announced tonight.

The election of a new chairman comes after Conservative Stuart Hughes, who represented Sidmouth-Sidford, resigned from the position last week.

His resignation followed the formation of a new Democratic Alliance, made up of members of the Independent East Devon Alliance, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Independent Progressive Group, taking a majority of the council.

The leader of the council Ben Ingham and his entire Cabinet also resigned following the defection of seven members of the ruling Independent Group to other parties to form the Democratic Alliance.

East Devon Alliance member Paul Arnott (Coly Valley) was elected to succeed him and appointed a new Cabinet last week.

Councillor Gardner told Nub News: "It's a phenomenal story for a small group, but the journey has not been easy.

"I really want to thank everyone who has supported us and campaigned across East Devon, particularly in the Sid Valley.

"People have worked so hard for many years for us to get to where we are now; a coalition taking control of the council.

"We will do everything to stay true to why people voted for us and to uphold our core principals of accountancy, transparency and democracy.

"Tough times are ahead; the council is in a terrible financial state and difficult decisions will need to be made.

"My vow is to always act openly and respectfully of others."