Asked whether UKIP would oppose any recommendations to increase allowances, he said: "I am firmly opposed to that.

"I am absolutely delighted to be appointed leader; it is an honour and a privilege to be given this position. We see our role as very much a scrutiny one."

The issue of allowances is likely to be one of the first key flashpoints at County Hall, with an independent panel due to recommend shortly whether there should be any increases.

Cllr Latchford vowed to put the ruling Conservative administation under the microscope and committed his party to vote against any pay increases to the authority's 84 members.

His appointment to the job of leading the UKIP group followed a meeting at County Hall yesterday.

Cllr Latchford, who won the Birchington and Villages seat from the Conservatives last week, joined UKIP about a year ago.

Retired army lieutenant Roger Latchford was the deputy Conservative leader of Thanet Council until he stood down for personal reasons in 2007.

UKIP has appointed a former senior Conservative councillor to head its 17-strong group at Kent County Council.

"Quite frankly, all of us who stand for election do so because we want to serve the community - we are not in it for financial advantage.

"It would be quite immoral to increase allowances at this time, when most people are not seeing any pay rises in their jobs."

"I am absolutely delighted to be appointed leader; it is an honour and a privilege to be given this position" - Kent UKIP leader Roger Latchford

But there has been speculation that UKIP's position as the formal opposition group on the council following its stunning success at the election could be challenged by the Labour and Liberal Democrat groups, who between them have 20 seats.

Cllr Trudy Dean appeared to rule out the idea completely. "At the momnet, I cannot see any circumstances in which I would choose that option. There have been no discussions and clearly while on paper it is a possibility, I do not expect to become a reality."

"It would only be right and proper to put any proposal to the group. They may like it or may dismiss it but it would have to be a group decision,' he said.

Labour group leader Cllr Gordon Cowan said there had been no direct contact with his Liberal Democrat counterpart Trudy Dean but if the idea came forward, he would put it to his group.

Cllr Latchford said: "We are aware of the rumour but nothing more."

County Hall sources have confirmed officers have advised members that there would be nothing to block the two parties joining forces and putting themselves forward as the official opposition later this month.