A NEW watchdog committee set up to oversee standards and ethics at Lancashire County Council has appointed its chairman.

Brian Booth, current chairman of the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, vice-chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire and non-executive director of the Student Loans Company, is the new man.

The committee has a brief to ensure high ethical standards throughout the county council.

It will advise the authority on the adoption of codes of practice for members and officers, monitor standards of conduct and behaviour and will be given the powers to investigate if any reports of breaches are received.

Council leader John West said: "The new standards committee is another example of the county council's commitment to the government's modernising agenda.

"The committee is vital to maintaining the integrity of the members and officers of the county council and will ensure that the very highest standards of conduct are upheld during this period of modernisation.

"I welcome the appointment of a strong, independent voice to chair the committee."

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