A LEADERSHIP contest has been sparked in the borough’s ruling Conservative group after the man who has led the party for the last five years quit the top post.

Announcing his resignation as group leader, Councillor Mark Ruffell said it was time for a change at the top, although he confirmed he will continue to serve as a borough councillor and will seek re-election in May.

Cllr Ruffell’s decision means fellow Tory councillors will gather to vote for a replacement next month.

Cllr Robert Donnell, ward member for Winklebury, has already signalled his intention to apply for the top role after being approached by senior party colleagues.

He told The Gazette: “It’s not a role I have coveted, but enough people who I respect have approached me, so I think I probably will.

“I think it’s an important role to bind the Cabinet and backbenchers so that we continue to be one unitary force. I have got a lot of the experience necessary to enable me to do that role.”

Cllr Ruffell, who represents Upton Grey and The Candovers, said the party is in a better shape now than when he took over.

Explaining his decision, he said: “I fancied a change. I think change is good – both for me and for the group.

“My colleagues are a good bunch of people. They are hard-working councillors and I have enjoyed working with them.

“I think the Conservative group is in a lot better shape in 2011 than it was in 2006. We now have a majority in the council, and I am happy with where we are as a party, but five years is long enough. Many other group leaders have been and gone in my time. I have enjoyed the job but I am also looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Cllr Ruffell, a barrister by profession, is up for election in May. He was last elected in 2008, beating Labour’s Ronald Rowe by 919 votes to 85.