A MAN from Undy has been selected to become leader of the Monmouthshire Labour group after its current leader stepped down.

Dimitri Batrouni, 29, councillor for St Christopher's in Chepstow, was chosen by unanimous decision to be leader of the Labour group in Monmouthshire council at a meeting in Usk last night.

He was the only candidate. Current Labour leader Cllr Roger Harris did not seek renomination, effectively standing down.

Mr Batrouni, who is 29 and is one of the youngest Labour group leaders in Wales, said he was humbled by the decision.

"It's a big responsibility. I hope I can do justice to the job. There's a lot of issues that I will be seeking to address in Monmouthshire county council. I look forward to the challenge."

He said urgent issues included scrutinising Monmouthshire's education improvements in the light of the recent Estyn report.

"We've got big challenges ahead due to the cuts. We will work with the administration where possible to protect the people in Monmouthshire."