A NEW leader has been elected to take charge of the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) Labour group.

Cllr Jacky Tustain will now lead the group, the largest opposition political party in BDBC.

She has replaced Brighton Hill's Cllr Andrew McCormick, who held the role for three and a half years.

Cllr Tustain, who represents the Popley ward, was elected to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in 2021.

After being elected, Cllr Tustain said: “I’m proud to be elected Labour group leader and very pleased to have the full support of our group members of our strong team. I also see this as a great opportunity to encourage other women to participate more in local politics.

READ MORE: Nearly 200 people without ID turned away at Basingstoke elections

“I want the group to continue the positive work it has been doing under the leadership of Cllr McCormick, pushing for improved services and the changes and improvements Basingstoke needs. We will always work in the best interests of residents, putting their needs at the heart of all decision-making. I look forward to working with other group leaders to ensure we all deliver for Basingstoke.”

David Lawrence, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Basingstoke, added: "I look forward to working with Jacky and the rest of Labour's excellent team of councillors to push for meaningful change in Basingstoke. Last week's results show that the Conservatives can no longer take Basingstoke for granted. Our town is ready for change: for too long, our wonderful town has been neglected by years of Conservative chaos and mismanagement.

“Labour has also bolstered its long-held position as Basingstoke’s largest opposition party. This means that if voters in Basingstoke want to send a message to Westminster in the next general election, Labour is a clear choice."

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke elections 2023: No majority party as Tories lose seats

The news comes after Cllr McCormick held onto his seat in the latest election, which took place on Friday, May 5.

Speaking after he said: "I am delighted with this result and it is a very good feeling to be the first Labour candidate to win three times in Brighton Hill. It has been a very close result that was very nerve-wracking on the night.

“This gives us a good solid platform to mount the general elections campaign next year and get Basingstoke’s first-ever Labour MP.”