The Medway Conservative Group has re-elected Cllr George Perfect as its leader by unanimous agreement.

The decision was made at its annual general meeting with Cllr Gary Hackwell unanimously re-elected as deputy leader.

The meeting came following a difficult year for the party locally and nationally.

Speaking after his re-election, Cllr Perfect, who also serves as the leader of the opposition on Medway Council, said “I'm delighted to have been re-elected this evening.

“I’m pleased too that Cllr Hackwell has also been re-elected, and thank him for his tremendous friendship and support during what have been a difficult 12 months for him.”

Reflecting on recent political challenges, Cllr Perfect acknowledged the strain placed on the party by last year’s disappointing general and local election results which he described as the “most difficult” in the party’s history.

However, he struck an optimistic tone about the future of the Conservatives in Medway, saying: “I believe by working with our national party and constituency associations we have a tremendous opportunity to renew and rebuild our party – the most successful in the western world and Medway’s history.”

Cllr Perfect also confirmed he is meeting with the shadow housing secretary Kevin Hollinrake to discuss a range of issues affecting Medway, including local government reorganisation.

In addition to re-electing the leadership, the group confirmed its full shadow cabinet lineup for the coming year: deputy leader and shadow cabinet member for finance and workforce Cllr Gary Hackwell; business support, climate change and digital, Cllr Habib Tejan; health and adults’ services, David Wildey; children’s services and education, Cllr Mark Joy; regeneration, community and housing, Cllr Andrew Lawrence; planning and development, Cllr Phil Filmer; member without portfolio, Cllr David Brake, and opposition chief whip, Cllr Barry Kemp.