COUNCILLOR Howard Gore says he wants to develop the democratic cabinet system adapted by the authority in January last year under the leadership of former council leader Coun Gina Lewis.

He is calling for greater political participation and urges people in the borough to engage in the democratic system.

"Becoming a councillor is a learning curve and now I am on a new learning curve," he said.

"But the council has been in very capable hands under Gina Lewis and I want to run it on a consensus basis -- encouraging officers to discuss issues."

Despite rumours to the contrary, Coun Gore remained confident that Tesco is coming to Leyland and put the redevelopment of the town along with other areas in the borough at the top of the priority list.

He said: "South Ribble is a big place -- Leyland is just a part of it. But we have discussed the Tesco issue long and hard. However, Tesco call the shots but they have fully committed themselves to the town.

"All my officers have been working very hard on this and will continue to do so as well as other issues in the town."