Leeds City Council’s ruling Labour group has selected its current deputy leader James Lewis as its next leader, replacing Judith Blake (Lab) who is stepping down after six years in the top position. Last month it was announced Cllr Blake would accept a life peerage after a nomination by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Cllr Lewis will become council leader, subject to a vote at a full council meeting, when Cllr Blake steps down to take up her peerage, although it is not yet clear when this will happen. Cllr Blake, who is also chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people’s board, became Leeds’ first female leader in 2015.