Thanet's ruling Conservative group has elected a new leader, with Cllr Bob Bayford taking over the reins from Cllr Sandy Ezekiel.

Cllr Bayford (pictured far right), who represents the Kingsgate ward, will assume the position of 'leader elect' until the council holds its annual general meeting in May.

During this time, he will shadow Cllr Ezekiel (pictured right), who he thanked for his "devoted and single-minded service to the people of Thanet".

Cllr Bayford, who is also a county councillor for the Broadstairs and Sir Moses Montefiore district, said: "These are difficult times for local government and while I plan to continue the good work of my predecessor, I recognise that with the economic events of the last 12 months behind us and a general election ahead of us, a new perspective is needed.

"Thanet faces unique challenges but it also offers equally unique opportunities, through its coastline, tourism, green energy, airport, harbours and much more. I have a number of new ideas which I hope will contribute to making Thanet a better place for us all."

Cllr Ezekiel, who has led the Thanet Conservative group since 1999 and has been at the helm of Thanet council for last seven years, said: "I've always said that I wouldn't take the group through to the next local election and that we'd need to choose a new leader at least a year before.

"I'll miss the people I work with tremendously but it's the right time to go and I'm looking forward to spending more time with my family."

Cllr Ezekiel will continue to represent residents of the Cliftonville East ward.