Veejay Patel has emerged as the front runner to become the next leader of Leicester City Council.

The 46-year-old Latimer ward councillor and cabinet finance chief is expected to team up with deputy leader Vi Dempster to offer up a "dream ticket" to unite the party.

The party holds its annual meeting on March 15 to select a leader after Ross Willmott announced his resignation last week.

He or she will also become leader of the council because the party has a majority on the authority.

City Labour councillors were due to receive a letter today jointly signed by the two councillors to tout themselves as a future leadership team.

Coun Dempster had already emerged as a realistic contender for leader, but a vow to keep her on as deputy if he was selected for the role is likely to seal victory for Coun Patel, according to party insiders.

One senior member of the party, who did not wish to be named, said: "There's been speculation in the town hall all week about Veejay's prospects as a candidate and whether anyone at all had the clout to scupper him.

"But a deal with Vi would settle it and make Veejay a clear favourite."

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

Candidates nominate themself. Positions including party chairman and secretary will also be decided on March 15, with cabinet members selected a week later.

Leader of the Conservative opposition Ross Grant said: "In terms of the Labour leadership race this would be their idea of a dream ticket.

"Coun Patel is definitely the front runner at the moment, and a deal to have Coun Dempster as deputy would certainly help his chances."

Coun Willmott announced his resignation as leader of the council last week, saying he wanted to focus on his General Election fight in North West Leicestershire.

It is believed Coun Willmott would not have had enough support from members to be re-elected as group leader because of his forthcoming election battle.

When asked about Coun Willmott's decision to resign, Coun Patel paid said he was a "committed individual" but declined to comment on his own ambitions.

Coun Mary Draycott – another former deputy leader – is also understood to be in the running to become leader.

She was unavailable for comment.