A new leader has been chosen for the Conservatives on Brighton and Hove City Council.
Garry Peltzer Dunn was selected ahead of former leader Geoffrey Theobald in a contest held last night by members of the opposition Tory group.
Coun Peltzer Dunn, a 60-year-old building surveyor, will replace Councillor Brian Oxley, who decided last month to stand down.
The new leader joined the old Hove Council in 1973 and later became its leader for four years until 1992.
He lost his seat in Vallance ward but was elected to Brighton and Hove City Council in Wish ward.
Coun Peltzer Dunn said co-operation was an important factor on a council where no one party is in control.
He will seek a meeting with Labour leader Ken Bodfish to see if opposition members can be appointed as vice chairs of major committees.
He has appointed Coun Oxley to the finance portfolio, a job he did himself until now.
A few other minor changes will be made but Coun Peltzer Dunn said: "We have a very good team in place."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article