BOURNEMOUTH Conservatives look set to go for experience and a ‘safe pair of hands’ by choosing Cllr John Beesley as the next leader of the council.

Deputy leader Cllr Beesley, who was installed as acting leader following Cllr Peter Charon’s resignation, is expected to have a clear run at the title later this month.

The Conservative group will appoint a group leader on Monday, February 13, who will then be nominated and installed as council leader on Tuesday, February 21.

Cllr Bob Lawton, who unsuccessfully challenged Cllr Charon for the leadership in 2010, is not expected to have a second go.

And there has also been speculation about Cllr Mike Greene, but he too is not expected to launch a challenge.

Several Conservative councillors have told the Echo that there is no appetite for a leadership election, following a turbulent few years within the Tory group.

This will be the third Conservative leader in two years: Cllr Stephen Mac-Loughlin stepped down after pornography was found on his council-funded computer and Cllr Peter Charon was the subject of a vote of no confidence by his own colleagues.

One Conservative councillor said: “John is seen as a safe pair of hands.

“It was quite traumatic removing Peter, not least because of the way in which he fought, it became very personal.

“I think everyone just wants to knuckle down and get on with the job and I think that’s what the public expects too.”