THE new leader of Blackburn with Darwen council will be decided at a meeting later today.

Two councillors have announced they are in the race for the title following the Coun Malcolm Doherty's decision to stand down for personal reasons.

Coun Bill Taylor, executive member for education and lifelong learning, who is one of Coun Doherty's current deputies, has confirmed he is standing.

He said his opponent will be Darwen councillor Sue Reid, who is executive member for social services.

Coun Taylor said: "Our AGM is due to be held at 6pm today and that is when this issue will be decided. It is no secret who is standing, myself and Coun Sue Reid.

"Malcolm has been a really good leader and a lot of good things have happened during his time in charge.

"During that time, we have become a unitary authority which has brought a lot of benefits to this council."

Coun Gail Barton, executive member for resources and the council's other deputy leader, has decided not to stand.

She had been one of the driving forces behind the unitary authority.

Coun Reid could not be contacted today.

Coun Doherty made his shock announcement just minutes after the end of counting the local election votes on Friday.

He will continue to be a Mill Hill ward councillor.