Councillor Gerry Ryan has stepped down from his position as Croydon Labour Group Deputy Leader so that he can focus on campaigning for the Croydon Central Parliamentary election.

Bensham Manor Councillor Alison Butler has been elected as a new Deputy Leader.

She joins Stuart Collins and Tony Newman to complete the team that will lead the party into the 2010 local elections.

Coun Ryan said: “It is now clear Croydon Tories are split from top to bottom with half of their members backing the existing MP Andrew Pelling and the others backing Councillor Barwell who wants to replace him.

“We are now in a close three horse race, a race I am committed to win for Labour, by continuing to oppose the extra Tory charges and their savage cuts to council services, many of which have been directly overseen by Councillor Barwell.”

Labour Leader Tony Newman said: “I am really pleased to welcome such a talented and committed councillor as Alison to the Leadership team and also councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed to the shadow cabinet.

“I have asked Manju to take on the schools portfolio and it is a tribute to her qualities that in stepping up to this position as one of Croydon’s youngest front bench councillors she has the confidence of so many people in taking on such a crucial task.”

• Tell us what you think about the new leadership team in the comments section below.