Warwick district councillors will have a "little Spitfire" watching over them for the next 12 months after armed forces champion Pam Redford was elected as chair.

Cllr Redford took the traditional route to becoming Warwick District Council's civic lead and ultimate arbiter of clashes in the council chamber having served as vice-chair to Cllr Naveen Tangri for the council year 2025-26.

Born in London and raised in Essex, Cllr Redford has spent 45 years in Warwickshire and worked for the NHS as a phlebotomist. She serves as the district's armed forces champion and town and parish champion and supported husband Wallace during his time in office at Warwickshire County Council, including his tenure as portfolio holder for transport and planning.

They have two children, Duncan and Andrew, and six grandchildren – Emily, Edward, Ginny, Alexander, Elizabeth and Lucy.

Cllr Andrew Day, leader of the district's Conservative group, described his "great pleasure" in nominating Cllr Redford for the role.

"Pam has served this council in many different roles and was interestingly described by a former councillor and group colleague as a little Spitfire," he said.

"I just feel that sums up Pam very well. She has been so active as a champion in so many ways, with our armed forces, particularly during the 80th anniversary, and winning budget three years in a row for that very important work.

"She is also our parish champion, a very important part of our district that makes the area so special.

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"Pam is well suited to the role and it is no surprise. Her family is one built on community service with Wallace ably assisting you on this occasion, and your children are active members of the armed forces – there is a family thread here."

Cllr Judy Falp supported the call, affectionately describing her colleague as "small in stature but big in heart" prior to a unanimous vote of support from all corners of the chamber.

Having accepted the chains, Cllr Redford said: "I am deeply honoured by the support, trust and confidence that all councillors have placed in me.

"I would also like to add my thanks and good wishes to Councillor Tangri after a most successful year – it has been a pleasure to work alongside you.

"To be entrusted with the office of chairman is both a privilege and a responsibility. Warwick district has a proud history, strong communities and a tradition of public service that stretches back decades and to serve as the 54th chairman in that continuing story is something that I will always regard as a great honour.

"Local government is at its best when we work together with respect, civility and a shared commitment to serving our communities. As chairman in a year that will have some challenges, I will represent this council with fairness, integrity and enthusiasm.

"I will do my utmost to uphold the dignity of this office and serve Warwick District Council to the best of my ability."