VETERAN councillor Ross Irving is to consult Tory party chiefs on whether he should stand for election as the leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Mr Irving, pictured, became leader of the council's Conservative and Independent Alliance at the end of February following the arrest of his predecessor, councillor Roger Ibbs, on suspicion of corruption in public office.

He has now revealed that he is considering putting his name forward for the council leader post when elections are held in June.

The 61-year-old Trentham and Hanford ward member could become the ruling coalition's strongest contender for the leadership job, which will replace the current elected mayor system.

The Labour group has yet to announce when it will hold its delayed AGM to choose its own leader, let alone decide whether to field a candidate for the leadership contest.

A gag imposed by the regional party prevents any members speaking openly about the situation within the group.

The Liberal Democrats are lining up behind their deputy leader councillor Paul Billington amid rumours that they may be seeking to break away from their larger coalition partners.

Other candidates who have confirmed their intentions include Potteries Alliance leader councillor Peter Kent-Baguley, deputy City Independents leader councillor Brian Ward, fellow City Independent councillor Alan Rigby and BNP group leader councillor Alby Walker.

Mr Irving, who has been in public office since 1973 and is the council's portfolio holder for partnership and transformation, said: "A number of people have asked me if I would stand, and I'm giving the matter very serious consideration. I have got a meeting coming up with one of our party vice-chairmen in London. Following this meeting I will be making a decision."

Mr Irving added: "In some ways, the first council leader will be a sort of holding position until we get fresh elections in either one or two years, depending on the Government's decision. But it is certainly going to be a very difficult 12 or 24 months for whoever gets the job."

Mr Kent-Baguley said: "It's difficult to predict what will happen, because no-one knows what the situation is with groups like the Labour Party or the BNP.

"I think a lot will depend on how the voting goes on the day, which still hasn't been decided. If it's a show of hands then we could get an Independent leader, but if we have secret voting then there could be a very different outcome."

Nominations for the post must be completed before Friday, May 29, a week before the annual council meeting on June 5.