COLCHESTER Conservative members have elected a new leader - and he's already making ambitious promises to the electorate.

Darius Laws, who represents Castle ward on Colchester Council, has taken up the post after former leader Dennis Willetts stepped down.

In a statement, Mr Laws said a Tory-led Colchester Council would find a solution to the Jumbo Problem, light up the town's Roman walls and would also push for a York style Roman Centre as part of the Vineyard Gate scheme.

He said: "I want to make Colchester an even better place.

"The number one issue is overdevelopment and congestion however I will also be focusing my attention on convincing people that a Conservative-led Council will focus on making much more of our unique heritage and improve Colchester’s appeal as a visitor destination.

"I’m passionate about helping to find a solution for Jumbo, lighting up our historic Roman City Walls, ancient monuments and putting the Cool back in Colchester [Colchester was once named Coolchester]."

He added: "Not only will our car parks smell cleaner than a 7-star Dubai hotel washroom but they will be playing classical music.

"The public realm will be improved, we will go after absent landlords who allow buildings to stagnate, we will also proactively chase new business, leisure and retail opportunities.

"We should be looking to build a York style Roman Centre as part of the Vineyard Gate development scheme.

"A Conservative-run council will work with Essex County Council and the government to deliver an even better Colchester for everyone."