Medway Council's Labour group have backed their leadership despite the party falling further behind the Tories on the unitary authority.

Vince Maple was unanimously re-elected as leader and Teresa Murray returns as his deputy.

The group had high hopes of wresting control of the council from the Conservatives, or at least ending their majority, But their contingent dropped from 17 to 15 while the ruling group went up from 31 to 36.

Cllr Maple said: "I am humbled to have been re-elected unanimously by my colleagues. Although last week didn't give us the results we wanted across Medway, we continue to be the main opposition group standing up for a better Medway fighting for better housing, support for our hospital and high streets."

Labour won the same number of council seats as it did in 2011 but had increased its number following two Lib Dem defections. One, Andy Stamp, has been appointed spokesman for regeneration. The Lib Dems lost all three of their remaining councillors while Ukip have four new members.

Other Labour appointments: whip: Julie Shaw; business Support: Vince Maple; health: Teresa Murray; Children, Adam Price; planning, Nick Bowler; licensing and Employment, Paul Godwin; housing: Glyn Griffiths; community safety: Tristan Osborne.