Brighton and Hove Conservatives have selected a new group leader to replace a party stalwart.

Cllr Tony Janio was last night elected unopposed as Conservative Leader on Brighton and Hove City Council for the forthcoming year at the group’s AGM.

He will replace outgoing leader, Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, who announced last week that he would be stepping down in order to give the new leadership team time to prepare for the local elections in 2019.

Cllr Theobald had already indicated he would be leaving the city council in two years’ time when his term of office expires, capping more than half a century of public service.

Patcham Councillor Lee Wares and Woodingdean Councillor Steve Bell have been elected as the group’s new deputy leaders, replacing Andrew Wealls and Dee Simson who have also decided to step down from their roles.

Cllr Janio said: “It is a huge honour to be given this opportunity to lead the Conservative Group and I would like to thank my colleagues for their support.

"I have huge shoes to fill taking over from Geoffrey, who next year will have been representing Brighton residents on the council for 50 years.

"I would like to pay tribute to Geoffrey for all he has done for the Conservatives both locally and nationally and wish him well for the future.

“Unlike the Labour Party, we have a strong and united group on the council and are already looking forward to the local elections in 2019 when we hope that the residents will entrust us with taking over the administration of the council.”