Willmott is new Labour MEP leader

A relative newcomer, Mrs Willmott was elected as an MEP in 2006

Labour MEPs have elected Glenis Willmott as their new leader in the European Parliament.

Mrs Willmott, who represents the East Midlands, is the party's first female leader at Brussels and Strasbourg for 16 years.

The former trade union organiser has been a member of the European Parliament since February 2006.

All 19 Labour MEPs were entitled to vote. Ten voted for Mrs Willmott, nine for East of England MEP Richard Howitt.

Mrs Willmott replaces Gary Titley, who announced he would be stepping down in November, after six years in the job - surpassing the record set by Barbara Castle.

Mrs Willmott, a former NHS medical scientist and GMB trade union officer, had previously been a party whip in the European Parliament.