TORY councillors in Kirklees were meeting today to elect a new leader.

The private meeting was called after the surprise resignation of former leader Robert Light.

The long-serving councillor had led the Conservative group for eight years, and led Kirklees Council for three years until the Tories were overthrown last month by a Labour/Lib Dem alliance.

Now there is speculation that Clr Light may consider a move into national politics – perhaps standing as a Tory candidate for one of the local seats in the next election.

But it is understood he had lost support from within his own group on the council.

Clr Light said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Conservative Group for eight years during which time the group moved from being the third party to the largest party on Kirklees Council and the ruling Group for over three years.

“During that period we notched up many achievements of which I am very proud and which in my view helped make Kirklees a better place to live for residents throughout the borough.

“Those achievements have involved much hard work which has come at a personal cost to my own time with my family and indeed in the ward that I represent – Birstall and Birkenshaw.

“Having lost the leadership of the council I believe the time is now right to move on and allow someone else within the group to take the reins as leader.

“I intend to spend time with my wife and family and pursue other political ambitions, whilst continuing to represent the people of Birstall and Birkenshaw who, by electing me, allowed me the opportunity to achieve what I have done.

“I look forward to fighting for the issues that affect the residents of Birstall, Birkenshaw and East Bierley in the months ahead.”

Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan paid tribute to Clr Light and said: “He showed strong leadership and he would have provided effective opposition, which is good for democracy”.