Coun Crowther was chosen as Wakefield Council's opposition leader, replacing Wakefield councillor Bryan Denson, last week – just a year after being elected.

He is encouraging people to give their views on how services can be improved as the party prepares for next year's local elections.

An announcement of the leadership change said it had put the party on a "war footing" to win council control.

Coun Crowther said: "That simply means we have to remember that the next year is going to be very challenging until the elections.

"I think there are going to be political changes both locally and    nationally.

"We as a group have got to be ready to respond to what happens.

"The council faces significant challenges and as Conservative leader I will work tirelessly to ensure it is held to account and decisions made are in the best interests of local people.

"It is a privilege to be given the responsibility to lead the group, and working alongside the dedicated group of Conservative councillors I am extremely positive about the future."

In the May 2008 local elections, Coun Crowther ousted Labour chief whip Trevor Izon by 539 votes to help Conservative candidates claim seven seats on the council.

He added: "In the last elections we won seven seats and held one – there is nothing to say we can't be controlling the council next year.

"We've been good in opposition but now we want to put in place a series of policies so people can see what we stand for.

"Our united focus will be on providing improved council services at lower cost and to help people through this tough and unwelcome recession.

"We will continue to champion new jobs and business opportunities for people, matched with better training and skills for our workforce, tackling anti-social behaviour and providing more affordable housing.

"We will also push to ensure all residents receive high quality services and real value for their council tax."

Coun Crowther unveiled his shadow cabinet on Tuesday, with fellow Pontefract South councillor Philip Booth as opposition chief whip and Pontefract North councillor Dr Philip Thomas as shadow cabinet holder for the     environment.

Wakefield Conservative councillors hold the rest of the posts, with Coun Nadeem Ahmed deputy leader and shadow cabinet member for children and young people.

Coun Crowther can be contacted by email at mcrowther@wake field.gov.uk.