The Tories have ditched council leader Mary Mears following their election defeat.

Just days after losing control of Brighton and Hove City Council, the new batch of Conservative councillors ousted the market trader turned politician in a split late-night vote.

It is the culmination of months of discussions between dissatisfied group members unhappy at the way Coun Mears “froze out” many from making decisions.

The failure of four of her cabinet - Jan Young, Ayas Fallon-Khan, Maria Caulfield and Trevor Alford – to be re-elected, also weakened her position when it came to the annual group vote.

Former environment and transport cabinet member Geoffrey Theobald was chosen to lead the official opposition in the council chamber against the victorious Greens.

The experienced former leader of East Sussex County Council is expected to vigorously oppose the Greens on key environmental issues such as parking, sustainable transport and the South Downs National Park.

For full report, see today's Argus.