SIMON Geraghty is closing in on the leadership of Worcestershire County Council - with a raft of Conservatives pledging to offer him their support.

County Hall's Tory group is holding a secret ballot to elect a new group leader on Friday, with the 39-year-old looking increasingly likely to win.

Your Worcester News can reveal how virtually all of the group's 32 other councillors intend to back Councillor Geraghty, meaning he can expect to become leader of the entire council next Thursday.

As we revealed last week none of the other senior cabinet members intend to stand against him and as of today, no backbench councillor had put their name forward either, with candidates having until midday tomorrow to chuck their hat in.

It follows the impending resignation of current leader Councillor Adrian Hardman, who is quitting next week after being charged with drink driving three days before Christmas.

Today, Conservatives around Worcestershire called the prospective new leader "the right man for the job", pointing to his nine years’ experience running Worcester City Council.

Councillor Bob Banks, who represents part of Evesham, said: "I don't wish to do anything other than support Simon Geraghty.

"He feels, and I also believe, that he's got enormous experience."

Councillor Rob Adams, who sits in the Upton Snodsbury seat, said: "There is no whip on Friday, people can do what they want.

"But there's no question he's the right man for the job, to be honest it'd be a kick in the teeth for him if he didn't get it, he's been deputy for several years.

"He's not what I call 'middle of the road', he likes to stand on the pavement, discuss things openly and find a way forward, that's what Adrian (Hardman) did and what we all need."

Ombersley Councillor Maurice Broomfield said: "Now Adrian is resigning it's right for him to take over this commanding position."

Droitwich Councillor Pam Davey added: "Many of us are deeply saddened by the fact this situation has arisen, but we have to move forward."

Councillor Kit Taylor, who represents a Tory seat in Bromsgrove, said: "He's got to fill very, very big shoes with Adrian Hardman but I don't think there's an alternative, Simon is very experienced, he's been the leader of Worcester City Council for years and has been a very good deputy (at County Hall)."

Councillor Gordon Yarrington, who sits on a seat in Wolverley, near Kidderminster, said: "Simon's got my support 100 per cent, it's a shame because him and Adrian Hardman worked very well together, but things like this happen."

Alvechurch Councillor June Griffiths, said she would make her mind up on the day but confirmed if Councillor Geraghty was the only candidate, she would welcome him as group leader.

"I will see who comes forward but if it's Simon I'll be very happy, he is absolutely worthy of becoming leader," she said.

The Tory group's election process will be overseen by Councillor Lucy Hodgson, who acts as secretary.

At least three group members will not be able to attend on Friday, but that will not have any impact.

On Monday, January 18 Councillor Adrian Hardman will appear before Cheltenham magistrates charged with drink driving after police stopped him in Tewkesbury.

He has already said he will plead guilty, calling it a "gross misjudgement", bringing an end to his five years in charge.

Councillor Geraghty will stand down as leader of Worcester City Council if he can secure the top job at County Hall.

All 57 councillors will get to vote on a new leader at the full council meeting next Thursday, January 14.

* See how we broke the story of Councillor Hardman's arrest and charge HERE and his resignation statement HERE.

* To see how we revealed that Councillor Geraghty wanted the top job go HERE, some of the recent speculation is HERE and for more reaction to Councillor Hardman's leadership ending go HERE.