THE Conservative group on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, currently the ruling party, has elected a new leader to succeed Cllr James Scholes.

He is accountant Len Horwood who serves the Pantiles and St Mark's Ward and has been chairman of the council's finance committee for the past four years.

Cllr Horwood was chosen in a ballot in which Cllr Roy Bullock (Goudhurst and Lamberhurst) and Cllr Paul Oliver-Smith (Brenchley and Horsmonden) were also contenders. Cllr Scholes is standing down after some four years at the helm but intends to seek re-election as a councillor when all 48 seats in the borough are contested on May 2.

Following the election, the council will operate under a new system with a leader and cabinet.