A NEW leader for North Yorkshire County Council is to be decided this week following the resignation of long-term leader John Weighell.

It is understood that Catterick Bridge and Bedale councillor Carl Les, the former owner of Leeming Bar Services, will be unopposed as the new leader of the authority.

Cllr Weighell, who represents the Bedale division, has been leader of the Conservative group and of the authority for almost 14 years, but said that he felt it was time for a change.

A vote to name his successor will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13) at the Conservative group annual meeting – but Cllr Weighell will remain in office for a further week until Wednesday, May 20, when he will pass on the baton on the authority’s quarterly meeting.

It is believed that Thirsk councillor Gareth Dadd and Northallerton councillor Tony Hall are in the running to become deputy leader.

Cllr Weighell has pledged to remain as a representative for his seat at least for the next two years, and said he would be supporting the new leader – although he refused to be drawn on who he would like to see step up to the helm.

Cllr Weighell was elected leader in 2001 and said the achievements during his time in office include high standards in education, opportunities for young people and the care of vulnerable children and the elderly.

He said: “I have particularly enjoyed representing the interests of a diverse county regionally and nationally, advocating policies for our coast, market towns and rural areas.

“As money for all councils becomes even scarcer, I hope we carry on looking for efficiencies, including merging the county council and district councils to form a single council.

“That would save money for the council tax payer and help to protect services.”