CONSERVATIVES have elected a new leader in their battle to regain control of Colchester Council.

Kevin Bentley has promised to curtail what he described as the “yah, boo, sucks” style of politics in favour of promoting Colchester.

The Birch and Winstree representative was chosen by fellow councillors after Robert Davidson stepped down after three years at the helm.

His aim is to win back control of the council which has been run by a coalition of Lib Dems, Labour and independent councillors since last year.

The Tories lost five seats in last May’s local elections.

But Mr Bentley refused to blame the previous Conservative administration, saying it was unfairly maligned for events which were not its fault.

He said: “I think the previous leadership simply got caught up by the circumstances surrounding them.

“I think the Conservatives have been completely unfairly criticised for everything, when it was not necessarily the Conservatives at fault.

“But I don’t want to look back, I want to look forward.

“I think there’s too much ‘yah boo sucks’ in politics.

“We need a different kind of politics in Colchester, one that promotes and takes this town forward.

“People should have robust debate, but I want to encourage more people to get involved, to watch meetings and take part in Have Your Say.”

Mr Bentley was elected to the council in 2003, and ran unsuccessfully against Colchester’s Lib Dem MP Bob Russell in general elections in 2001 and 2005.

Dennis Willetts, councillor for West Bergholt and Eight Ash Green, replaces Christopher Arnold as deputy leader.

Outgoing leader Mr Davidson said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time as group and council leader and was planning to concentrate on running his farm.