Kentish Express Ashford & District
It’s a huge honour, says new leader
Roger Gough has been named as the new leader of Kent County Council.
He won a four-way battle for the Conservative group leadership and has been a Kent county councillor since 2005.
Cllr Gough has described the appointment as a “huge honour” and said he will do his very best to lead the county.
He also paid tribute to “legend” Cllr Paul Carter, who he is replacing.
The Conservative councillor, who represents Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley, played a key role in the creation of a new grammar school annexe in Sevenoaks - the first “new” selective school to be opened for decades.
He was one of four experienced councillors vying for the top job after Cllr Carter said he was stepping down as leader six weeks ago.
The announcement came after Cllr Carter delivered an emotional final speech to full council in Maidstone last Thursday after 14 years in power.
He said has been “overwhelmed” by tributes, which included members of the council saying he was “a really good politician with a dark sense of humour”and “the real deal”.
Reflecting back on his time in office, Cllr Carter said he has tried to do all he can over the last 14 years to support east Kent health regeneration.
Although not as much progress has taken place as he would have liked, he believe there have been “great successes” in Thanet.
When he leaves leader’s office, Cllr Carter said the two things he will be focussing on are health, in particular improving adult social care.