Former MP Peter Soulsby wins Leicester mayoral race

Sir Peter stepped down as the Leicester South MP

Sir Peter Soulsby has become Leicester's first elected mayor after stepping down as an MP to enter the race.

Sir Peter, formerly Leicester South's MP, beat the other 10 candidates after winning more than 50% of the votes.

Conservative Ross Grant came second and independent Rick Moore was in third place.

Plans for an elected mayor in the city were approved by the Labour-controlled council in December.

Sir Peter will have the power to initiate policies across council services, and will select up to nine councillors as a supporting cabinet.

In his acceptance speech he promised to work with all parties and groups to create a "confident and wealthy" city.

"I am determined to hit the ground running and it will not be business as usual," he said.

"We are going to put a team together which will work effectively for this city."