A CHALLENGE to Jane Scott's leadership of Wiltshire Council's Conservative group has been withdrawn.

Former cabinet member Stuart Wheeler put himself forward for the role after expressing concern about the current leadership style.

But on the eve of the crucial vote, scheduled for tomorrow, he announced he was withdrawing his nomination.

He said he welcomed Baroness Scott's "clear statement that she will not stand at the next election in 2021".

And he said Mrs Scott had confirmed she would step down as leader by May 2019 to "support the transition to a new leader within two years".

When asked if she had any comment on the last-minute withdrawal, Mrs Scott said simply: "No, just getting on with the job."

In an email to colleagues, Mr Wheeler said he was "delighted" that the cabinet had stated it would work with backbenchers to address "any issues we may have and new ideas for how we can work together as a strong ruling group".

And he welcomed their commitment to resolving his concerns about "disengagement" between the leadership and the rest of the group.

He said Tory councillors now needed to join together to work on policies for their next manifesto.

"I have been a loyal supporter and member of the Conservative Party for over 40 years, and a councillor for 11," he added.

"I therefore take the views expressed to me regarding the importance of party unity extremely seriously."