Roger Gough has been named as the new leader of Kent County Council.

This follows him winning a four-way battle for the Conservative group leadership two weeks ago, and having been a Kent county councillor since 2005.

Cllr Gough has described the appointment as a "huge honour" and said he will do his very best to lead the county.

He also gave tributes to "legend" Cllr Paul Carter (Con), who he is replacing.

The Conservative councillor, who represents Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley, played a key role in the creation of a new grammar school annexe in Sevenoaks - the first "new" selective school to be opened for decades.

He was one of four experienced councillors vying for the top job after Cllr Carter said he was stepping down as leader six weeks ago.

The announcement came after Cllr Carter delivered an emotional final speech to full council in Maidstone this morning, after 14 years in power.

He said has been "overwhelmed" by tributes this morning, which included members of the council saying he was "a really good politician with a dark sense of humour"and "the real deal".

Reflecting back on his time in office, Cllr Carter said he has tried to do all he can over the last 14 years to support East Kent health regeneration. Although not as much progress has taken place as he would have liked, he believe there have been "great successes" in Thanet.

When he leaves leader's office, Cllr Carter said the two things he will be focussing on are health, in particular improving adult social care, and developing successful vocational opportunities for people in Kent.

He says KCC's reserves have grown substantially, and the pension fund has grown faster than any other local authority in the country, by the billions.

Cllr Carter advises the next administration to focus on climate change, economic and education inequalities, and providing support for carers.

There was praise from all sides today, with Cllr Rob Bird (Lib Dem) admitting Cllr Carter will not be an easy act to follow. He added today is an "important" day for KCC and a time of "reflection and contemplation".

And Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab leader) described the leader as an advocate of "democratic mandate" for all parties, saying how members stand to attention to when he enters the room.

Cllr Sean Holden said Cllr Carter is "the real deal", and Cllr Barry Lewis that he is "a really good politician" and like himself has a "dark sense of humour".

Cllr Jeremy Kite added he is a "steamroller" and compares him to the former Tory prime minister, Margaret Thatcher.

After finishing his speech, Cllr Carter was met with round of applause by all members and officers, around 100 people, in the council chamber.

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