Council leadership contender Veejay Patel has set out his stall to Labour members as two more candidates threw their hats into the ring.

In a joint letter sent by courier to Labour councillors, he and current deputy leader Vi Dempster said they had received "several approaches" from colleagues urging them to stand.

They said: "It is our intention to work and support each other. We believe this will be a strong partnership to lead the Labour group."

The pair promised to contact all councillors over the next three weeks to listen to their views. They said the feedback would help establish their "future priorities".

The letter said: "We would hope this clarity and unity meets with your approval and support."

It is understood Coun Patel wants to open up council procedure and give more independence to cabinet colleagues and committee chairmen.

Yesterday, Coun Patel, the cabinet finance chief, confirmed he was standing for leader but said his priorities would be shaped by the wishes of the group.

He said: "I'm going to spend the next three weeks with Coun Dempster talking to colleagues about what they would like in a future leadership team."

Coun Patel was joined in the leadership race by former deputy leader Mary Draycott.

Councillor Manish Sood also said he would be standing.

He said: "I'll definitely be putting my name forward. I want to open up the party and burst the big bubble that runs things at the top."

Cabinet member Patrick Kitterick, seen by some as a potential challenger, would only say he was considering his options.

The party holds its annual meeting on March 15 to select a leader after Ross Willmott announced his resignation last week to focus on his General Election fight in North West Leicestershire.

The winner will become leader of the council because the party has a majority on the authority.

Nomination papers for leadership and cabinet positions were sent out on Tuesday and must be returned by March 8. Candidates nominate themselves.

Positions including party chairman and secretary will also be decided on the same day, with cabinet members selected a week later.

Council positions are voted on each year by the majority party then ratified by the full council.

One Labour councillor said Coun Patel's supporters currently numbered 27 out of Labour's 38 councillors. A simple majority of 20 votes in a secret ballot is enough to be nominated leader of the party.