A power struggle has broken out among County Hall Conservatives following the Government's decision to abolish the authority.

Coun Peter Hand ( Brickhill) announced on Tuesday he will stand against current group leader Coun Madeline Russell, who he believes lacks the "credibility, commitment and enthusiasm" needed for the role.

In an email seen by the Times & Citizen newspaper and Bedford Today, Coun Hand told colleagues: "Our current leader is on public record as stating that she does not believe the two new unitary councils are affordable and sustainable and is completely opposed to their establishment.

"In such circumstances I am sure that many a leader would take the honourable course of action and resign their position, in a clear acknowledgement of principle over power.

"Regrettably, I am not convinced our current leader is prepared to subject herself to such an honourable path."

He added: "I clearly do not believe our current leader has the credibility, commitment or enthusiasm needed to ensure the new councils are delivered as smoothly and as efficiently as possible."

Insiders have suggested Coun Hand may be a 'stalking horse'.

His nomination papers were co-signed by Coun John Mingay (Newnham) and Coun Stephen Male (Flitwick).

Coun Mingay criticised Coun Russell's decision to continue to fight against the formation of two unitary councils by calling for a judicial review.

He said: "The people who have elected me onto the council for the last 15 years would not expect me to stand back and watch tens of thousands of pounds of their hard-earned money being poured down the drain on a lost cause.

"From day one this has all been a political decision.

"Did anyone really think that a Labour Government would change its mind to save the face of a Conservative authority?

"If I did not oppose this, then even I wouldn't vote for John Mingay.""
Coun Russell, who has been leader of the council since 2005, said: "The Conservative group on the county council is a democracy. Anyone can put themselves forward and has the chance to become leader provided they have done a lot of work for the party."

The leadership election will be held during the county council's Conservative group annual meeting on Saturday, April 5.