THE leader of Rossendale Council will face Conservative colleagues for talks on Monday amid growing speculation about his future.

Poor performances in four recent by-elections are believed to have prompted discontent among Tories in Rossendale.

This has led to urgent discussions between borough Conservative councillors, after a licensing committee meeting on Wednesday.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands Coun Ruddick has been told that colleagues are unhappy with the present situation, which has seen their standing fall from 25 seats, following the 2006 polls, to 19.

Opposition councillors now number 17 - Labour has 14 members, with two Liberal Democrats and one Independent.

Coun Ruddick declined to comment on the matter but did confirm last night that he remained council leader.

He assumed the position from Coun Peter Steen in December 2004, in the wake of Rossendale council being rated poor' by the Audit Commission.

Questioned about the prospect of a vote of no confidence in Coun Ruddick on Monday, deputy council leader Coun Bill Challinor said: "I have heard things but do not know any details at the moment."

Coun Challinor was to meet Coun Ruddick last night to discuss cabinet issues and said he would take the opportunity to discuss the matter with the leader.

Coun Challinor said he had not attended the Conservatives' post-licensing committee meeting, due to a prior commitment.

But asked about whether he was aware of unease within the party concerning Coun Ruddick, he said: "I am not stupid and I have heard things recently but I haven't been given any details.

"I understand there was a meeting of councillors after the licensing committee, because I received an e-mail about it."

Conservative councillor Peter Steen refused to confirm or deny the speculation surrounding the leader's future, and Coun Jimmy Eaton said he would only issue comments after the Monday meeting.

The Conservative group suffered a triple blow during a series of Rossendale council by-elections in September.