Councillor Alan Jarrett has been elected as the new leader of Medway Council.

The council’s annual meeting took place at the St George’s Centre in Chatham last night (Wednesday), and also saw Cllr Barry Kemp elected for his second term as Mayor.

Outgoing leader Cllr Rodney Chambers praised Cllr Jarrett for his “financial stewardship”, and gave a speech recounting their work together as leader and deputy leader.

“Medway does have a great future,” he said. “The scene is set - I’m sure we can move forward under Cllr Jarrett’s leadership.”

Cllr Jarrett gave a short speech praising the work of all Medway Council staff, before appointing his cabinet.

There was controversy, however, when Labour leader Vince Maple opposed the appointment of Cllr Kemp, suggesting that his nomination for the position of Tory whip raised questions of impartiality.

“We believe that the role of first citizen should not be politicised,” he said. “I understand Cllr Kemp has also been nominated for the role as Conservative whip. That leaves us in a difficult position in regards as to the impartiality of the Mayor of Medway.

“I believe most people in Medway would want to see the role of Mayor taken above party politics.”

He said the appointment set an “unhealthy precedent” and the Labour group would not support it.

However, it was confirmed by council officers that there was nothing in the constitution that ruled against the Mayor also being appointed as a party whip.

Other appointments at the meeting included Cllr Howard Doe as new deputy leader; Cllr Steve Iles as Deputy Mayor, and Rev Gary Colville as Mayor’s Chaplain.

Cllr Alan Jarrett set out his new cabinet as follows:

Cllr Howard Doe: portfolio holder for Housing and Community Services.

Cllr Jane Chitty: Planning, Economic Growth and Regulation.

Cllr Adrian Gulvin: Resources

Cllr Rodney Chambers: Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships.

Cllr Phil Filmer: Front Line Services.

Cllr Mike O’Brien: Children’s Services.

Cllr Andrew Mackness: Corporate Services.

Cllr David Brake: Adult Services.

Cllr Rupert Turpin: Business Management.