May 10 2013.

Councillor Michael Chartier who represents Lewes Castle has been elected as the new Chair of Lewes District Council. His appointment was approved at Annual Council on 8 May 2013 and he has taken over from Cllr. Tony Nicholson. Cllr. Chartier is the longest serving Lewes District Councillor - holding the position for 26 years.

Cllr. Chartier said: "I am delighted to hold the position of chairman of Lewes District Council for the third time. It is especially rewarding to be able to show cross party working in its truest sense.

"I am looking forward to serving the whole Council and I hope we can have a positive year together. It is a significant year for the District with the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes and being a keen historian I am delighted that the Council is involved in helping to fund the Battle Field Site Survey".

In his working life, Cllr. Chartier was a secondary school teacher in Croydon for 34 years where he was Head of Careers and taught history and religious studies. He has a love of history and acts as the Council's honorary historian - especially interested in the history of Lewes and Sussex. He also has a special interest in the period of Oliver Cromwell and the protectorate.

He is married to Monica and they have three sons.

Councillor Ian White, Ward councillor for Seaford West, was appointed Vice-Chair of the Council.