The favourite to become Brighton and Hove's next council leader emerged last night.

Councillor Mary Mears is to replace Brian Oxley as the leader of the city's Conservative Party.

She is likely to be selected for Brighton and Hove City Council's top job next month.

Conservative councillors held a secret ballot last night following the resignation of Coun Oxley.

He is standing down after less than a year at the council's helm to pursue other interests.

With 26 councillors, the Tories are by far the biggest party and currently maintain control of the council.

On May 15, a new council leader will be elected for three years and the Conservative candidate is favourite to win.

Geoffrey Theobald and Mary Mears fought it out for the top job but Coun Mears was elected.

She said: "I'm overwhelmed and the news hasn't yet sunk in.

"I'm excited and delighted because the job will be a great challenge and honour.

"Geoffrey has been an excellent opponent and we had a tough contest.

"I want to build on the work this administration has started.

"I want to continue to grow the economy, protect the environment, make better use of public money, improve enforcement of the law and reduce inequalities."

Vanessa Brown, Jan Young and Denise Cobb put their names forward for the job of deputy leader. Coun Brown and Coun Cobb were elected.

Former leader Coun Oxley said: "We had two excellent candidates, both of whom would have done a great job.

"I offer my congratulations to Mary and we will have the smoothest transition from one leader to another this council has ever seen."

Coun Mears represents Rottingdean and has been deputy leader of the Conservative group since 2006. She has chaired the housing committee since last May.

She has won plaudits from tenants for her approach to the thorny issue of bringing the city's housing stock up to scratch.

She is also well known at the Open Market because her family has run a fruit and veg stall for 50 years.

Coun Theobald is a former East Sussex County Council leader and for many years led the opposition in Brighton.

Since becoming chairman of the environment committee last year he has tackled the dilapidated Hove bandstand and car parks - but has been in the line of fire for the proposed dog beach ban.

The council would not reveal how many votes Coun Mears and Coun Theobald got in last night's election.

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