One of the region's Euro MPs will continue to lead the European Union committee which scrutinises single market rules.

Conservative Vicky Ford MEP was re-elected as chairman of the European Parliament' Internal Market and Consumer Affairs Committee (IMCO) and will hold the post until the next European parliament elections when Britain is expected to have left the European Union and the single market.

She took up the role in 2014 and was reappointed in the mid-term committee elections today.

She said 'I am pleased to be able to continue this work and to do all I can to help maintain amicable and open dialogue across Europe and between the UK and the EU-27.

'The IMCO Committee looks at the practical elements of removing barriers to trade across Europe. I hope that many of these practical co-operation networks will continue for both the UK and the rest of the EU post-Brexit.

'Re-confirming a UK Conservative in this important role confirms my view that many across Europe wish to maintain a close co-operative partnership with the UK, minimise barriers to trade and keep an amicable and open dialogue during all negotiations, including those on Brexit.'