Northumberland County Council’s Labour Group has expressed its disappointment about the announcement of cabinet members under new council leader Glen Sanderson.

Labour Group leader Susan Dungworth said: “We know the removal of the previous leader after a vote of no confidence has been difficult for the Conservative Group, but we felt it was absolutely essential that the new leader demonstrated their commitment to having a new cabinet  whose members’ reputations are untarnished.

“Sadly, with the appointments that have been made, we’re seeing little evidence of that.

“We have warned the new leader that, as far as the Labour Group is concerned, he is on probation. On behalf of everyone living in the county, we need to see change and a total departure from the actions and behaviour which has resulted in this council’s reputation being damaged in the worst possible way.

“We want to emphasise that this was not and never has been about taking over the council. The people of Northumberland will decide who they want to lead their council at the next election.

“It was about taking firm action to stem the tide of what we saw as damaging behaviour which was seriously affecting the council, its staff and potentially everyone living in the county. We simply could not stand by and let this continue.

“While we’re pleased to see an new leader, we do remain disappointed about his decision on the make up of the cabinet. It was an opportunity for him to make a clean sweep; an opportunity lost in our view.