Earlier this month Cllr Carter CBE announced he was stepping down from his position as the Conservative Leader at County Hall after 14 years in the job.
Cllr Peter Oakford who represents Tunbridge Wells North, is among four Conservative councillors who have thrown their hat into the ring to take over the top job at Kent County Council.
Cllr Oakford was first elected to County Hall in 2013 and currently serves as Deputy Leader.
The Southborough resident was also a member of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council until May this year.
Also hoping to take over from Cllr Carter, is current cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Roger Gough, who has represented Sevenoaks North and Darent Valley since 2005.
Cabinet member for Roads, the Environment and Waste, Cllr Mike Whiting, who has represented Swale West since 2009, is also vying for the position, as is Cllr Nick Chard, representative for Sevenoaks West who attempted an unsuccessful leadership bid against Cllr Carter in 2011.
The election takes place on October 4 when the 67 Conservative councillors at County Hall will vote for their new leader.
