ROY Perry has been confirmed as the leader of Hampshire County Council.

The Conservative Group on Hampshire County Council at their Group Meeting today have unanimously elected Cllr Roy Perry as their leader.

The 56-strong group also elected Cllr Keith Mans as Deputy Leader at their group meeting.

It comes as the Conservatives maintained their grip on the county council in the Hampshire County Council elections, where they gained seats from the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.

Cllr Perry said: “I am grateful to my Conservative colleagues for placing their confidence in me as their Leader for another term. I am particularly grateful to my Deputy Leader Keith Mans and other Executive members who work hard day in and day out for Hampshire residents.

"It has not been easy to set budgets and steer Hampshire in a time of austerity and with many pressures on our services. We work well as a team supported by excellent officers and with good relations with Members of Parliament. Hampshire County Council is well regarded across the whole country and I count myself fortunate to be leading one of England’s best county councils”