The Liberal Democrat party has a new leader at County Hall after the long-standing councillor Trudy Dean stepped down.

She has been replaced by Rob Bird, who represents the Maidstone Central division and was elected to KCC in 2012.

Cllr Dean, who was reelected recently to the Malling North division, said: "All leaders want to step down in favour of the safe hands of a talented successor.

"I have worked very hard to lead and support the Lib Dem Group as a well informed and constructive group at KCC.”

“I am absolutely confident that Rob has all the skills necessary to fulfil the role with great success.

"He is hard-working and committed to the crucial role that local government plays in our county, especially for more vulnerable people.”

Mr Bird worked in finance before retiring in 2009 and is chairman of Maidstone CAB.

He said: “I am extremely honoured to be her successor and delighted that she has agreed to be my deputy.

"The recent elections have given Mr Carter’s Conservative group a very large majority which will be a challenge for all opposition members. But this does not diminish the need for effective opposition and scrutiny.”