THE new leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Blackburn with Darwen Council has been named.

Former deputy leader Coun David Foster, who represents Whitehall, was elected leader at a group meeting last night. Coun Kevin Connor will be his deputy.

Former leader Coun Paul Browne resigned the leadership, after 26 years, blaming his decision on his party's performance in the local elections earlier this month.

Today Coun Foster said: "First of all I would like pay tribute to what Paul did as leader.

"He's seen the party grow from two seats to 13.

"This is an exciting challenge, we are in a position now where we are almost the official opposition, and I see that in 12 months we will be in a position to excercise some power within the authority."

Overall the Lib Dems gained two seats, Labour lost two, the Conservatives lost two and the nationalist England First Party gained two seats.

Coun Browne said he resigned because his prediction that the Lib Dems would make big gains and Labour would lose control of the council had not materialised.

Coun Foster, who has been a councillor and deputy leader for 16 years, teaches science and is assistant head teacher at Penwortham Girls High School in Preston.