Kent's county council leader has won his battle for political survival.

Conservative county councillors voted in a ballot at County Hall after a contest was triggered by two backbenchers who want to replace the current leader Paul Carter.

He has been in the role for six years but is being challenged by Cllr Keith Ferrin and Cllr Nick Chard, former cabinet members who both say it is time for a change.

Under party rules, the successful candidate has to secure more than 50% of the votes cast.

Follow Paul on Twitter for the result of and get analysis of the outcome.

In the ballot, 53 votes were cast for Paul Carter, 11 for Nick Chard and nine for Keith Ferrin.

Before the vote, Cllr Carter said he wanted more time to complete his job and was confident of securing a fresh mandate from the 73-strong group.

The leadership battle comes against a backdrop of behind-the-scenes rows within the Conservative group over recent policy decisions.

In his manifesto, Cllr Keith Ferrin told his colleagues the party faces 'our Gordon Brown' moment and has to change leaders to avoid the kind of electoral meltdown faced by the Labour party.

"In my view, like it or not, we need change. If we don't get it, just where do you think we will all be in 12 or 18 months time?"

After the vote, Paul Carter said: "I thank my Conservative colleagues for electing me Group Leader. I’m delighted to receive their support and such a clear mandate. There’s much to do and I am relishing getting on with the job."