Political battles are set to continue in City Hall next week with challenges to the leaders of both the Tory and Labour groups.

Tory leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, and leader of the Labour group, Councillor Ian Greenwood, are expected to face rivals at their private annual general meetings.

The Telegraph & Argus can reveal that Labour's spokesman for the economy, Coun Dave Green, is likely to throw his hat in the ring for a secret ballot on his group's leadership.

It is understood that Tory portfolio member for housing and health, Coun Kris Hopkins, is also strongly considering challenging Coun Eaton. Nominations end on Tuesday morning.

Coun Green and Coun Hopkins both said they were unable to comment on speculation today.

But a Labour insider said Coun Green had strong support within the group which had previously been split. He added: "Things can't go on as they are, and people are ready for a change."

Coun Greenwood, who ousted former Labour leader John Ryan in May 1998, is a former full-time union official, who served as a county councillor between 1981 and '86. He has represented Little Horton for the past three years.

Coun Green (Lab, Odsal), who was elected 14 years ago, was executive member for the economy when Labour was in control.

Coun Hopkins, who retained his Worth Valley seat on Thursday, is a lecturer, and is actively involved in the transfer of the Council's 26,000 houses to community trusts.

Two years ago, Coun Eaton was elected leader of the hung authority with the support of the Liberal Democrat Group. She retained her Bingley Rural seat with a resounding majority on Thursday.

The Liberal Democrat group will meet this weekend to decide its future political policies and its stance in the hung council.

Coun Greenwood said he did not want to comment on internal Labour matters, but any member had the right to stand for election within the group.