Two men elected to Redbridge Council last year have been chosen as the new leader and deputy leader of the Redbridge Labour group.

Labour councillors voted in a secret ballot last night to choose who would fill the leadership role previously held by Cllr Bob Littlewood, who was forced out in a vote of no confidence last week.

Cllr Jas Athwal, who serves Mayfield ward and was elected to the council in May 2010, has been appointed leader of the Labour group.

Cllr Wes Streeting, who was elected to Chadwell ward following a by-election in July 2010, replaces Cllr Balvinder Saund as deputy group leader after she resigned before a vote of no confidence on her future took place last week.

More to follow.