CALDERDALE’S Conservatives have chosen their new leader to head the group on Calderdale Council.

Ryburn ward councillor Steven Leigh will replace Coun Scott Benton as Group Leader, following a vote by colleagues on Friday night.

Coun Benton was elected to Parliament as the MP for Blackpool South in last December’s General Election, although still retaining his Brighouse seat for the time being, he said last week.

Chairman of the council’s Place Scrutiny Board, Coun Leigh was elected to the council in May 2018, and in January 2019 he was awarded the MBE for his services to Small Businesses and the Economy of Yorkshire.

Calderdale Conservatives to announce new leader

He said he was looking forward to his challenging new role but maintains his Ryburn constituents remain his top priority.

Coun Leigh now heads the 13-strong opposition group on the council.

“I am pleased and very proud to have been elected to this important position.

“It has come about because of Scott Benton becoming an MP, for which I warmly congratulate him on behalf of the Conservative Group on Calderdale Council.

“Scott will be a hard act to follow, but I relish the challenges ahead.

“I pledge myself to continuing to do my very best for the residents of Ryburn ward, and Conservatives throughout Calderdale who have been so tremendously supportive and appreciative of the efforts of all the Conservative Councillors in the borough,” he said.