Denver City Council has a new leadership team.

Councilman Albus Brooks, District 9, is the new council president, taking over for former Council President Christopher Herndon. Brooks won approval for the job from his fellow council members at the start of Monday night’s council meeting.

Councilman Jolon Clark was also voted by his colleagues to take over as council pro-tem. He will replace Councilman Paul Lopez who currently fills the role. Since Brooks is recovering after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called chondrosarcoma and having surgery to remove a tumor from his back, Clark will be heading up meetings until Brooks returns from his medical leave.

“Albus has guided his district with extraordinary empathy for his constituents, smart thoughtful deliberation on the issues and remarkable memory for the details I am often in awe of,” said Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman, District 5, while nominating Brooks for the spot. “Albus’s boundless energy and smarts, his passion for the city and his collegiality with us on council all make me feel honored to put his name forward for council president.”

Brooks was approved by 11 votes, with Councilman Rafael Espinoza, District 1, abstaining from voting.In explaining his withholding of a vote for Brooks, Espinoza cited the council’s general direction and voting against the interest of District 1.

“It speaks directly to the fact that in my short tenure here, the pattern of voting is directly antithetical to what we’re trying to accomplish and do in District 1,” Espinoza said. “For that reason, I have to withhold my yes vote. But it is not a no vote.”

Espinoza has led the charge against certain rezoning cases and wants the city to demand more from developers including detailed plans when asking for rezones. He did cast a yes vote for Clark, who was approved unanimously by the present council members.

Clark was nominated for his spot by Councilman Kevin Flynn, District 2. In his remarks, Flynn praised Clark’s evenhandedness and grasp of the issues since being elected to the council last year. Clark replaces Lopez who is serving his third and final term on the council.

Herndon, in supporting Clark, said “Even though he is tall, he never looks down on anybody.”While Brooks was absent, he sent a prepared statement that was read by Herndon after the final vote gave him the seat.

“I am still recovering from surgery so please forgive me for not being present tonight. As you know, I am in the fight of my life against a rare form of cancer,” Brooks said in the statement. “I’m happy to say with the support of many I’m kicking its ass. I’d like to thank President Herndon for his service in this role for the last two years he did a great job. … I’m humbled and honored to have your support to serve as the next council president.”