OPPOSITION leaders are expecting a new style of leadership on Wycombe District Council after Tory Roger Colomb beat his rival to the top job.

The Conservative ruling group has chosen Cllr Colomb as their new leader, as forecast in last week's Midweek, following an election.

Cllr Colomb was chosen ahead of Princes Risborough councillor Chris Oliver. He will take over from present leader Pam Priestley in May.

Labour group leader Ted Collins said he thought Cllr Colomb would be slightly further to the right than Cllr Priestley. He said that Cllr Colomb's background, having worked for Texaco for 34 years, meant he looked at things from a business point of view.

Cllr Collins said: "He is the opposite end of the spectrum to me, saying 'can we save money?' whereas I say 'can we do it?'. But he is a pleasant enough chap. I get on with him very well."

Cllr Malcolm Blanksby, the Independent group leader, said he would wait and see, but did expect a different style of leadership from that under Cllr Priestley.

"Things could be very different," he said.

The Liberal Democrats' group leader Maurice Oram said he would also wait and see before making a comment on Cllr Colomb's leadership style.

Cllr Priestley said Cllr Colomb would devote his time to the job and bring in fresh ideas.

"I have every confidence in him," she said.

Her successor is 67 and has been a member for Green Hill and Totteridge since 1995.

He will lead the council into cabinet-style government in May.

Cllr Colomb thinks the new system will be better than endless meetings that soak up money but don't also deliver to the taxpayer.

He said: "This is a total change in approach to what we have been used to. It will deliver more for the taxpayers' money.

"I shall try to see that the council is objective and spends its time and money delivering the services that are wanted."

He said the council was determined that the new system would not cost taxpayers a penny more.

Cllr Colomb has lived in the district since 1974.

He and his wife Jean have two grown-up children and they live at Kingswood Road, Penn.