Dartford Labour Party have elected a new leader after Councillor Geoff Prout was ousted from his seat in last week's local elections.
Councillor Jonathon Hawkes, who represents Stone, was elected unanimously by fellow Labour councillors as leader of the opposition at a meeting on Tuesday (May 12).
Councillor Daisy Page, for Littlebrook ward, was elected unanimously as the new deputy leader.
Councillor Jonathon Hawkes
Coun Hawkes said: “It’s a privilege to be elected leader of the Labour group and I can’t wait to get started."We’ve got a great team of councillors and we look forward to being an effective opposition – both inside and outside the council chamber.
"There are great opportunities for our community over the next few years, but it will also be a time of significant change and the Council will have important choices to make.
Councillor Daisy Page
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"Choices on how we continue to fund our services in the face of unprecedented cuts, choices on how we move forward to rebuild Lowfield Street and choices on how we ensure that major new projects like Paramount and new developments at Ebbsfleet truly benefit local people.
"Where we can, we will seek to support the council but we will also scrutinise and oppose if we feel the council isn’t getting its priorities right. B "Both before and during the election promises were made to the people of Dartford and Labour will hold the administration to account if they do not make good on those commitments.”
Coun Page said: "I am very honoured and humbled to be elected as Deputy Leader and I am looking forward to working with Jonathan and the rest of the Labour Group in my new role.
"Jonathan will make an excellent Leader for our group. He is committed, passionate and driven to make Dartford a better place. I can't wait to get started."
Paying tribute to the outgoing Labour leader, Geoff Prout, Coun Hawkes added: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Geoff Prout, who led the Labour Group in Dartford with dedication and distinction.
"Geoff worked harder than anyone to build a better and fairer community and his contribution to our town cannot be understated."
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