Councillor Kris Hopkins has been selected as the Conservative group's new leader on Bradford Council and has warned he will challenge Labour over running the authority.

The vote was taken at the group's annual meeting last night following former leader Margaret Eaton's resignation earlier in the day.

Former deputy Councillor Hopkins (Worth Valley) threw his hat into the ring with Dale Smith (Wharfedale). Coun Smith was selected as deputy leader, and Councillor Anne Hawkesworth (Ilkley) continues her role as Chief Whip.

"I feel tremendously privileged and it's an extremely welcome challenge to set about adding to the excellent work of Margaret Eaton," said Coun Hopkins who has been a councillor since 1998 and the deputy leader for two years.

"I asked my group for permission to go and talk to the other parties about how we can come to an agreement on the future of the Council," he said.

"I have had a good working relationship with both Lib Dem and Labour leaders in the past. I know there will be some difficult conversations to be had in the next couple of weeks."

Labour group leader Ian Greenwood, whose party holds the largest share at 36 seats, could become the next Council leader if a suitable power-sharing agreement can be reached.

The Labour group held its annual meeting last nigh. There was no change at the top, with Coun Greenwood's leadership not challenged. "There is no doubt that the Tories are looking to hold on to control," he said. "They are prepared to talk to the Liberal Democrats and there is a possibility that a coalition of losers could end up running the Council."

He said Labour let the Conservatives get on with leading the Council when they were the biggest party and the Tories should reciprocate.

The Liberal Democrats group, which is the third largest with 14 seats, will not be holding its annual meeting until Monday. The parties have two weeks in which to broker an agreement before motions will go before the Council's annual meeting on May 23.

l The leadership of Kirklees Council is also undecided following last week's elections. The Conservatives now hold the largest number of seats with 21, and Labour and the Liberal Democrats are tied on 20. Current Council leader Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) could be ousted by Tory group leader Robert Light (Birstall & Birkenshaw).

e-mail: jo.winrow @bradford.newsquest.co.uk