The leader of the Brighton and Hove Conservative party has been re-elected unopposed to take up the position for the fifth year in a row.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, who represents Patcham ward, retained his position as leader at the party's AGM last night and will lead the party in opposition to the new Labour council.

There will be a change in the leadership team as the Councillor for Central Hove, Andrew Wealls, was chosen to become one of the Group’s two Deputy Leaders. Andrew has been the Group’s Spokesman on Education and Schools for the last 4 years.

Woodingdean Ward Councillor, Dee Simson, was re-elected as the other Group Deputy for the third year in a row.

Councillor Theobald said: “I am delighted that my colleagues have given me the honour of leading the Conservative Group for another year and I would like to thank them for their support.

"I have an excellent and united team behind me and although we are disappointed not to be in Administration, we are confident about what the future holds.

"I would also like to thank Cllr. Garry Peltzer Dunn for being such a hard-working and supportive Deputy Leader for the last 4 years.”

Following this month’s local elections, the Conservative Group is the official opposition on Brighton and Hove City Council, holding 20 out of the 54 seats, a gain of two seats.

Councillor Wealls said: “I am really excited to be given this opportunity to be Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group by my colleagues and I would like to thank them for their support.

"We had some really talented and enthusiastic young people elected as Councillors last week to the Group, together with highly experienced colleagues, and so the future looks very bright for the Conservatives in Brighton & Hove.”