Cllr Rick Everitt has promised to work collaboratively with members across the council as he step up to his new role as Thanet District Council's leader.

The Labour councillor was voted in after former council leader Bob Bayford (Con) was forced out following a dramatic meeting at Margate's council offices last night.

Cllr Everitt said: “Last night’s meeting did not just choose a new leader from the Labour party.

"It also voted to pursue our priorities of bringing Thanet’s council housing back under direct control, building more of it, making the council carbon neutral by 2030, and supporting the area’s economy by using the council’s budget to buy from local enterprises where possible.

“The council chose a new leader and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, but success will not be achieved by one individual.

"It will be only delivered by the efforts of talented and passionate group of people alongside me in the Labour team, and the hard work of council staff at all levels.

“Thanet still faces formidable problems caused by the Tory government’s austerity regime, long-term economic decline and a past failure to focus on the issues that matter to residents.

"There are also looming risks from a no-deal Brexit. The context doesn’t change because councillors move from one side of the chamber to the other.

“We will bring a fresh approach, but we secured the leadership with the support of eight councillors from outside the Labour Party and we recognise that to retain it and provide the stability Thanet needs we will need to work collaboratively across the council chamber.

'The council chose a new leader and I am grateful for the support of my colleagues, but success will not be achieved by one individual' - Thanet District Council leader Cllr Rick Everitt

“Resources are a major issue but I can promise that we will strain every sinew to do our best for all the people of Thanet and everyone who works for the council.”

Cllr Helen Whitehead was named as the council’s new deputy leader and the other members of Labour’s shadow cabinet are also expected to step up.

Cllr Everitt was cabinet member for finance and asset management during the previous minority Labour administration in Thanet from 2011-15.

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