Former MP elected deputy chairman of park authority

Tony Favell, who served as Tory MP for Stockport between 1983 and 1992 took up the post after the current chairman Narendra Bajaria was re-elected.

The former solicitor, who practiced in Hathersage, Derbyshire, has lived in the national park at Edale for more than 40 years, and is also a member of the High Peak Borough Council

Coun Favell, who was born in Sheffield, said: "With my background in all these places I understand the value of the national park to people who visit, live or work here.

"The conservation of this beautiful place is the most important thing to me, and I am full of admiration for the farmers and residents who look after its wonderful landscape, buildings and traditions."

Coun Favell recently retired as a tribunal judge dealing with criminal injury compensation and mental health issues. He is president of the Stockport branch of Mencap.

He added that it was a privilege to serve as deputy to Mr Bajaria, who also chairs the English National Park Authorities Association.

Mr Bajaria, who was appointed by the Government, comes to the end of his tenure next March. He has promised a "seamless transition" to a new chairman who will have to be elected before the next annual meeting in June 2011.

The authority also elected new committee leaders including John Herbert, a parish representative from Sheldon who will take on planning. His vice-chairman will be Trevor Bagshaw of Sheffield City Council.

Christopher Pennell, of Sheffield will be put in charge of services and Gill Heath, of Staffordshire County Council, will be his vice-chairman. The audit and performance department will be led by Derbyshire County Council member Garry Purdy, assisted by Patricia Coleman OBE, a parish representative from Youlgrave.

After his re-election as chairman Mr Bajaria thanked Trevor Bagshaw, his former deputy , who now has increased commitments on Sheffield Council, and Hilda Gaddum, former planning chairman who now has increased commitments on Cheshire East Council.