Former MP Derek Wyatt is to become president of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Labour Party.

But this does not mean the 61-year-old plans on contesting the seat at the next election.

He said: "This time is my time; I don’t miss [the job] and I’m very happy working as I am.

"But then, I suppose, you can never say never."

His new role will see him use his experience to support the party in its development and in response to local political change.

He also plans to attend policy meetings.

He said: "I hope I will be able to mentor some of the younger members who have joined the group in the last 18 months.

"I was MP for 13 years so I kind of know where the issues are in the borough and it seems a waste of that knowledge.

"I still get three to four emails a week from people thinking I’m the MP, so I think I can help."

Local party chairman Roger Truelove said: "His departure as MP has left a huge hole.

"We hope to select a parliamentary candidate in the next year and again we would look
to Derek to give advisory support.

"We have a number of outstanding young politicians in our local party and I hope that, with his continuing Westminster connections, he can help with [their] development."