The dearest wish of Conservative councillor John Drake was for his wife, Pat, to become Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

And provided agreement is reached at a meeting tonight, she will succeed Labour councillor Jeane Lepper as first citizen in May.

Sadly, Mr Drake died almost two years ago but his widow said: "I know it is what he would have wanted and I am really looking forward to it."

Councillor Drake, 68, lived in Moulsecoomb for a while as a child.

Her father was a clerk and the family did not have much money but she won a scholarship to Brighton and Hove High School and became a tax practitioner, working for the Inland Revenue and Grant Thornton before continuing in private practice.

She became a co-opted member of Brighton Education Committee in 1971 before joining East Sussex County Council which, in 1973, took over many functions from Brighton.

Coun Drake was one of only two members to serve on the council continuously until Brighton and Hove Council was formed in 1997.

While in charge of transport, she oversaw many major schemes including the Lewes bypass and the early stages of the Brighton bypass.

Coun Drake has two daughters and a son who will be at the mayor-making ceremony in May.

One of her daughters, Karen Martin from Henfield, will act as mayoress during the year.

Coun Drake has chosen for her year three charities of general appeal - the Martlets Hospice in Hove, the Rocking Horse appeal for the children's hospital and the Sussex Lantern which helps blind people.

Tory leader Garry Peltzer Dunn said: "I consider the choice of Pat Drake to be the next Mayor of the city to be a fine one.

"Her appointment is the city's way of saying: 'Thank you, Pat - continue the good work'."

Labour council leader Ken Bodfish said he would be delighted to second the proposal she should be Mayor.