The Australian-born, former journalist had beaten three other candidates to the post it was announced yesterday.

Mrs Bennett, who said she was “deeply honoured” to be elected, will replace Caroline Lucas as leader of the party.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Bennett said the party needed to get more MPs in parliament, more representatives on every council and a Green MEP in every region.

She added she supported her party’s “radical vision” for a future Britain and described current Government spending cuts as “economically illiterate.”

Mrs Bennett said: “What we need to have is investment in the future. We need investment in homes, investment in jobs, investment in energy conservation, renewable energy and public transport.”

Conor McGlone

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