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.

She said: "I feel privileged to have been elected to lead the party. Europe has such an important part to play in making our everyday lives better and we have already achieved so much by working together.

"It is an honour to take the helm and help build on those achievements in the run-up to the European elections in June and beyond."

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

Prime Minister Gordon Brown congratulated her on her victory and paid tribute to the "outstanding work" done by Mr Titley.

He added: "Glenis will provide excellent leadership of the EPLP (European Parliamentary Labour Party) as they continue to work hard for a progressive future for the EU, and I look forward to working with her as we prepare for the European election campaign in June."