Caroline Lucas has won the Green Party’s first ever leadership election.

Lucas defeated her rival for the leadership, AshleyGunstock, by a margin of 2559 votes to 210 - 90%.

Lucas, who is the party’s candidate for the target constituency of Brighton Pavillion, said: “I am deeply honoured to have been electedas the first leader of the Green Party.

“I am also delighted to have Adrian Ramsay elected alongside me as our party’s first Deputy. His work for the past ten years in Norwich, transforming an inactive party into the largest group of Green councillors in Britain is truly inspirational.”Britain needs Green leadership now. None of the other parties has the vision or the courage to tackle the real challenges we face today -the accelerating climate crisis, and Victorian levels of inequality.

“We need a Green New Deal to tackle the impact of rising prices and increased unemployment.We need to invest the proceeds of a Windfalltax on massive energy company profits into making the homes of ordinary people warmer and fuel bills more affordable.

“As Leader I will work tirelessly to get our positive Green message across to the public, and to see more Greens elected to deliver socialand environmental justice in towns and cities across the country.

“Adrian Ramsay, who supported Lucas for leader, was elected unopposed.

Councillor Ramsay, who heads the Green opposition group on NorwichCouncil, said:

“I’m honoured to be elected the first Deputy Leader of the Green Party. It’s a crucial time for the Greens as we build towards winningour first seats at Westminster in the next General Election. At a time of rising fuel prices growing concern about the effects of climatechange, Green polices offer real solutions for the country.”

Jim Jay has more