THE Labour party in Southampton has elected its new leader.

Cllr Satvir Kaur is the new leader of the Labour group and leader of the opposition on Southampton City Council.

The news comes as former leader Cllr Christopher Hammond stepped down after Labour lost control of the city council in this year's local elections.

Labour leader stands down

Cllr Kaur, who served as cabinet member for the past eight years and as Shirley councillor for the past ten years, was unanimously elected.

She said: "I’m grateful to have been elected unanimously by my colleagues and we will now get to work holding the new Conservative administration to account. I believe the Labour Party achieved a great deal in the last nine years for Southampton. From delivering more high-quality affordable council homes, local initiatives to ensure no child went hungry, to plans to become carbon neutral by 2030. It remains to be seen whether the new Conservative administration share these priorities, and whether they can deliver on the promises made to voters.”

Cllr Kaur - who was born and raised in Southampton - was recently a cabinet member for homes and culture, leading on Southampton’s UK City of Culture bid and the  £144m plan to deliver 1,000 council homes across the city.

Plans for 1,000 homes in Southampton

Funding for City of Culture bid approved 

Talking about her next steps she added: "I will now build a new team around me that truly reflects Southampton’s communities, who we will continue to fight for. Southampton is best served by having a Labour council, and together, we will listen, we will win back people’s trust, and work hard to deliver for Southampton again.”

It comes as the Conservatives swept back to power after nine years as they gained seven seats in this year's elections.

Conservatives win control of city council

Bargate councillor Darren Paffey has been elected as deputy group leader.

The rest of the shadow cabinet team is expected to be announced later this week.

In a statement the Labour group also thanked Cllr Hammond who led the council and the party over the past three years.