Breckland Council elected its new leader yesterday to replace William Nunn who resigned after eight years.

Michael Wassell, 62, was given the backing by the council after a year and a half as deputy.

Mr Wassell, a former mayor and current councillor of Watton, said he was 'delighted and honoured' to take up the role.

With his newly elected deputy, Lynda Turner, the pair vowed to make the most of the council's assets while protecting frontline services.

'We face unprecedented financial challenges in the next few years,' he said.

'I want to reassure the residents of Breckland that we will continue to provide value for money whilst continuing to deliver quality frontline services.

'We will maximise the opportunities which are presented to us and continue to improve the council's commercial instincts and ensure we get the most from our assets.

'We must find new and innovative ways of increasing our income, in light of the ever decreasing funding allocations from central government.'

The council – which has a funding gap of £3.5m – has come under scrutiny in recent years after commercial properties were bought to generate a higher income than banks would.

Barnham Broom Golf Club was bought in 2006 for £8m and a distribution centre in King's Lynn for £1.18m earlier this year.

Mr Wassell said he shared the objectives of his predecessor Mr Nunn to meet the cash gap by making better use of cash assets, which includes property acquisition, sharing staff members with South Holland District Council in Lincolnshire, and renegotiating contracts.

Mrs Turner acknowledged the 'challenging times ahead' but said with strong leadership she is confident about the future.

'Both Michael and I will channel all our abilities into ensuring Breckland continues to thrive,' she said.

'We became councillors to serve the residents of Breckland. That is still our priority and it is a privilege to serve them in this capacity.'