Talks over Anglesey council leader McGregor's future

Mr McGregor has already announced he will not seek re-election as leader in May

Opposition group leaders have met in an attempt to agree a strategy to remove Anglesey council leader Clive McGregor.

BBC Wales revealed Mr McGregor does not intend to stand again for leadership after the council's AGM in May.

But his political opponents are trying to force him out sooner.

Interim council managing director, David Bowles, said: "Group leaders are committed to working together to ensure a smooth transition and continue to build an inclusive council."

Mr McGregor believes plotting by council members has undermined his position, said BBC Wales political reporter John Stevenson.

It is understood discontent over the way in which the budget process has allegedly been handled, is the final straw for Mr McGregor's political opponents.

Special measures

They also point to what they describe as "botched jobs" in other policy areas under Mr McGregor's leadership, including swimming pool closures, reorganisation of primary education; care for the elderly; and rationalising car park charges.

BBC Wales understands that there will be "further discussions" later this week on developing a strategy to force Mr McGregor out of office.

It also understands that "a significant announcement on the leadership" is expected to be made next week.

The council was put under special measures by the assembly government in 2009.

It followed a damning report by the Auditor General for Wales after an inspection revealed weaknesses in the way the council was run.

Last month Anglesey and Gwynedd councils agreed to an assembly government request to find ways of working together to save money.

Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant said working together was the only way the councils could make enough savings.