The battle to become new leader of the council is now a two-horse race after Councillor David Brown pulled out.

Brown, 61, who is cabinet member for Performance, only put his name forward to become new leader of the Cheshire East Conservative group over the weekend.

However he withdrew last night saying it was due to personal reasons.

He told the Express he realised he would not be able to commit enough time to the job after a health scare in the family.

Finance chief Michael Jones will now battle with Poynton councillor Howard Murray to become new leader of the council, replacing current leader Wesley Fitzgerald who announced a fortnight ago he was stepping aside after four years at the helm.

A vote will be held at a meeting of the party on Saturday with the winner set to be formally appointed at a full council meeting in May.

Coun Jones this week said he would be a 'hands-on' leader and would look to work with Tory councillors and other members to implement change at the authority.

Coun Murray refused to talk about his bid to the Express saying it was "entirely inappropriate to say anything to the press at this time."

The Conservative group will vote for its candidate, who would replace the outgoing Wesley Fitzgerald, on Saturday with the winner formally appointed at a meeting of full council in May.

Current deputy leader of the council Roland Domleo has dropped out, citing health reasons.

It will be the first change of leader at Cheshire East since its formation in 2008.

Coun Fitzgerald announced his intention to quit a fortnight ago saying he had achieved what he set out to and it was time to stand aside.

In a forthright letter to Tory councillors, frontrunner Coun Jones said: “I may be considered a newcomer to local government, but I bring with me a wide range of transferable skills in finance, business and urban planning that have served me well in my previous career and that have already proven their worth at Cheshire East.

“Coun Fitzgerald provided the firm hand required to steer the newly-formed Cheshire East council through its first vulnerable years.

“However, I believe that now is the time to build on that foundation.

“If selected, I will be a ‘hands on’  leader – involved in the practicalities of delivering high-quality services for Cheshire East residents, listening to ideas, responding to challenging questions and driving through required change.”

Coun Jones joined the council only last May and was appointed portfolio holder for resources in September.

He previously worked as an investment banker leading one of the biggest investment companies in Europe.

In a twist, an anonymous email has been circulated to several councillors and the Express which makes allegations about Coun Jones’ business affairs and claims he is not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold public office.

But Coun Jones told the Express: “This is an old, old story. But let’s be clear, I have made enemies through business because I have been successful.

“I have been a taxpayer all my life, corporately and personally. Any idea of improper behaviour is incorrect and fictitious.

“This election should be about who’s going to deliver the best for Cheshire East.”

Coun Murray began his public service at Poynton town council more than seven years ago and was elected as a CEC councillor in 2008.

He has overseen the regeneration of Poynton centre as chairman of the revitalisation steering group.

He refused to talk to the Express about his leadership bid saying: “It is entirely inappropriate to say anything to the press at this time.”