Paul Williams will become the new chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) tomorrow.

He succeeds Alec Murray, who is stepping down after 18 months in the role.

Murray said: "It has been my pleasure to help guide the RMIF through the last 18 months, and a great deal of change.

"The federation is now in a much stronger position, and has the potential for positive growth.'

Mr Williams, who is chairman of Vertu Motors said: "Alec Murray performed an excellent job guiding the RMIF through the many changes it has undergone over the last 18 months, including the purchase of ReMIT and the overall restructuring of the federation.

"I will provide guidance to take the RMIF into its next stage of development."