Council leader Bella Sankey has been elected deputy leader of the Labour Group in the Local Government Association.

She said she wants to use the role to build a “fairer, more inclusive society”.

Ms Sankey was elected to help lead the Labour Group within the association which helps to lobby Parliament for improvements to local governments.

She said she was “honoured” to have been elected and would aim to use her new position to help advocate for policies to improve Brighton and Hove.

The city council leader said: “I am honoured to be elected deputy Leader of the Labour Group at the LGA. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to advocate for policies that will bring positive change not only to Brighton and Hove but to communities across the country.

“Together, we can build a fairer, more inclusive society."

Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, was named the new Labour leader in the LGA.

The announcement comes on the heels of Labour sweeping Parliament in last week’s General Election.

The party said it wanted to change the way that councils are funded to help provide greater stability as several across the country find themselves on the brink of bankruptcy.