Paul Dundas named leader of Colchester Conservative Group

Paul Dundas has taken on the leadership of the Conservative Group in Colchester after being elected in the Tiptree ward a fortnight ago.

He succeeds Rural North councillor Darius Laws who has stepped aside to spend more time with his family but will remain deputy leader.

Mr Dundas said: “It is a privilege to be leading the Conservative Group at the town hall over the next year.

Stepping aside - Darius Laws is stepping down to become Paul Dundas' deputy (Image: Newsquest)

“Our job will be to question, to scrutinise, to challenge, to propose alternative plans and ensure Colchester Council tax payers are getting value for money.

“There are, of course, areas and things we agree on so I expect there will be occasions when we also support and encourage.”

Mr Laws added: “I've thoroughly enjoyed leading the Conservative Group over the last year.

“Being an effective councillor is tough when you have a young family and a mortgage and after much consideration I decided I needed to step away from leading the group to enable me to be a better dad and spend more time focusing on serving the villages north of Colchester.

“Paul Dundas has a better financial brain than I do, he has my complete support.”