Lesley Game has been elected the new chair of Kent County Council (KCC).

Conservative Cllr Game, who represents Cliftonville, near Margate, takes over the post officially after filling the role temporarily following the death of former chairman, Ann Allen, in October 2021.

She had been elected vice-chair in May last year.

Her newly elected vice-chair is Cllr Gary Cooke (Con), who represents Maidstone South East division.

Cllr Game said: “Taking office in these circumstances is difficult.

"Cllr Allan was a dear friend and a fantastic mentor for me. I learned a lot from watching her carry out the chairman’s duties and I hope that I can continue the good work that she started in May last year.

"However, I also know that we must move forward and look to the future."

Cllr Game confirmed she would continue to support Cllr Allen’s chosen charity – The Kent Foster Care Association – until May 2022.

First elected to KCC in May 2017, Cllr Game has since held the post of chair of the Children Young People and Education Cabinet Committee and is a former chair of KCC’s Pupil Premium Select Committee, which oversees additional funding for schools to support disadvantaged pupils.

Cllr Cooke has been a county councillor since 2009. He is chair of the Maidstone Local Children’s Partnership Board and chairs KCC's Electoral and Boundary Review Committee.

A retired insurance underwriter, Cllr Cooke is also a Maidstone Borough Councillor representing the Shepway South Ward.