The new prime minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson Miller, has pledged that she will transform the country into a republic by removing the Queen as head of state.

The country's first female PM made the pledge after being sworn into office following a general election held on the 29th of December, where her People’s National Party took 42 of the 63 seats. The election ended a four-year period of rule for the country's Labour party, which despite its name is considered conservative.

“We now need to complete the circle of independence,” said Simpson Miller, despite saying that she loved the Queen. "She is a beautiful lady, and apart from being a beautiful lady, a wise lady and a wonderful lady," she told Jamiacan newspaper The Gleaner.

Jamaica will mark the 50th anniversary of independence from Britain later this year. The Queen has visited Jamaica six times during her reign, most recently in 2002. Buckingham Palace said it was a decision for the Jamaican people.