Councillor Liz Green has been named the new leader of Kingston Council.

The St Marks ward representative was unanimously voted the new leader of Kingston Liberal Democrats by fellow councillors in Guildhall.

As head of the ruling party, she will automatically become the new leader of Kingston Council.

Earlier today, Coun Green's husband Michael, a Labour supporter, appeared to break the news of his wife's appointment by tweeting: "The age of consort begins. :-)".

He then claimed he was alluding to his “self crowned princess daughters” before the news was made official.

Quoting famed US deafblind activist Helen Keller, Coun Green said: “This is an honour and privilege for me to work with the residents of the borough.

“My mantra, as Helen Keller said is: 'Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.'.”

Coun Green had been acting leader for the past seven days following the shock resignation of Derek Osbourne in the wake of his arrest on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

At the time of her appointment, she was both deputy leader and lead member for children and young people – a position she had only recently taken over from Coun Patricia Bamford.

Coun Green, a mother of two, was first elected to the council in 2002, and has held executive portfolio roles including environment and school, as well as children and young people.

Kingston Liberal Democrats said in a statement: “Coun Green’s achievements include the successful implementation of increased borough-wide recycling services and expansion of primary school places.

“In her ward, she has worked with residents on improving pedestrian and cycling facilities, introducing 20mph zones and promoting the wonderful community events in Surbiton.”