Greenwich Conservatives have unanimously elected Councillor Matt Hartley as the new leader of the opposition in Greenwich

Coun Hartley, who represents the Coldharbour and New Eltham ward, follows Councillor Spencer Drury as leader after the Eltham North councillor served nine years in the role.

He was elected by fellow councillors to lead the Greenwich Conservatives just days after the General Election.

Coun Hartley said: “I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to lead our Conservative councillors in Greenwich, and provide the strong, constructive opposition that this borough so badly needs.

"I look forward to building on Spencer Drury’s hard work over nine years, and am confident that as a council group we will continue to punch above our weight."

Away from politics, Coun Hartley works for a national advice charity, and also serves as a governor of Ealdham Primary School and is a director of the local credit union.

Former leader of Greenwich Conservatives, Councillor Spencer Drury said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as leader of the opposition on Greenwich Council over the last nine years.

"I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Eltham North and to working with Matt, Mark and the rest of our excellent team of Conservative councillors to continue to hold this Labour council to account.”

Councillor Mark Elliott, who represents the Eltham South ward, has replaced Coun Hartley as the deputy leader of the opposition.