Labour politicians in Kent have been reacting to news of who will make up the party's leadership.

Sir Keir Starmer was been elected as the new leader with 56% of the vote, beating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.

The results of the contest for the party's deputy leader were also revealed with Angela Rayner coming first.

She was up against fellow MPs Rosena Allin-Khan, Richard Burgon, Dawn Butler and Ian Murray.

A number of key Labour figures in the county have been taking to social media to send their congratulations.

Cllr Vince Maple, who heads up the Labour group on Medway Council, was one of the first to write.

He added: "As Labour South East regional chair it will be essential to see our region with the resources it needs as we can only deliver a Labour Prime Minister and government if we are winning seats in the south east."

Meanwhile, Cllr Karen Constantine - who represents Ramsgate at Kent County Council - said: "Congratulations to Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner.

"An injury to one is and injury to all, united we stand, divided we fall. Unity is strength.

"It’s time to continue the fight for our community, more important now than for many generations."

Canterbury MP for Labour, Rosie Duffield has also reacted to the news.

She said: "Huge congratulations to Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner.

"A new dawn for Labour and immensely proud of Lisa Nandy and my darling Dr Rosena."

Former parliamentary candidate for Dover and Deal, Charlotte Cornell, said: "I’m pleased that we have Keir in as leader and Angela as deputy.

"I voted for them both and worked as part of Angela’s campaign team.

"There is a big job to do for Keir, but the first priority is working as an effective opposition leader, challenging the government constructively for more testing, wider rollout of PPE and clearer communications in the fight against COVID-19."

Chairman of Canterbury Labour Dr Andrew Lambirth said: “The current state of the world makes this an incredibly important time for an opposition leader, especially one who may find himself in government sooner rather than later.

"What we cannot afford to see is a return to the politics that has brought the world to its knees, with stripped-back welfare states incapable of providing for its citizens, healthcare systems unable to keep people safe and a global political system in chaos. I wish Kier the best in pursuing the radical overhaul of a status quo that has lost all legitimacy.”

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