Brighton Tories announce new leader after election defeat

The party lost more than half of its councillors in the local elections in Brighton and Hove as Labour secured their first majority on the council for 20 years.

The Tories' three councillors in Patcham, who were all re-elected, have been appointed to lead the party for the next four years.

Councillor Alistair McNair will serve as group leader, being supported deputy leaders Anne Meadows and Carol Theobald.

The trio were selected in an annual meeting of the Conservative group last week.

The Conservatives' six councillors on Brighton and Hove City Council (Image: Brighton and Hove Conservatives)

Cllr McNair said: “It is an honour to be the new Brighton and Hove Conservative group leader and we have a big job ahead in holding the 38-seat majority Labour administration to account.

“I am grateful to be supported by two highly experienced councillors, Anne Meadows and Carol Theobald, as deputies, as we set about our task ahead on behalf of residents.

“I am conscious of the 30,301 votes for our Conservative team across the city and would like to thank voters for their support.

“We will be there for you as your voice of opposition in the city and will be speaking out when the council is not delivering for you.

“The new 38-seat majority Labour administration has made many promises to voters in their manifesto. We will hold Labour to account for delivering what they promised to voters to the letter.”

Cllr McNair paid tribute to Steve Bell and Dee Simson, who were both ousted by Labour after the party won both seats in Woodingdean.

He said: “They certainly succeeded in bringing city council issues to the forefront of the agenda and local debate, including weeds, rubbish, heritage, community safety and public toilets, putting pressure on all parties to address these issues that matter to residents in their manifestos.”

It comes as the two other main political parties in the city also selected new leaders after the local elections, with the Green Party electing Steve Davis and Labour appointing Bella Sankey to become the new leader of the council.