Chris Robbins will continue his role as leader of Waltham Forest Council for the next four years.

The Grove Green ward councillor since 2002 was unanimously re-elected as leader of the Labour group at the party's annual general meeting (AGM) last night.

With the party winning 44 out of 60 seats at last Thursday's election, councillor Robbins was put forward as the sole candidate for the position, which he has held since 2009.

He spent his first year leading a coalition with the Liberal Democrats until 2010 when his party took overall control.

According to councillor Robbins, he claims it is the first time his party has gained control of the council for two successive terms since 1978 and the majority is the biggest the party has won since the council was formed in 1965.

"Labour is consolidating its position in Waltham Forest and if we continue to respond to residents’ ambitions and concerns I see no reason why we will not win again in 2018 and extend our councillor numbers," said Cllr Robbins.

Deputy leader of the council councillor Clyde Loakes says he is the sole nominee in the Labour party to be put forward for the deputy role.

Councillor Robbins will be formally elected at the council's AGM meeting on June 12.