THE leader of Wear Valley District Council is standing down next week after losing the support of the majority of her Labour colleagues, The Northern Echo understands.
Councillor Olive Brown is expected to announce her decision at the council's annual meeting on Wednesday, when the leader's post she has held for ten years is up for election.
She stood for re-election as leader of the ruling Labour group this week, but was defeated by 13 votes to ten by her deputy, Neil Stonehouse.
A second vote for the deputy's job went to Bishop Auckland councillor Charlie Kay by a narrow margin.
Councillor Brown, who had already decided not to stand for the council in the next election, in 2007, has represented the Crook South ward for 35 years.
She refused to comment last night, saying only that she would be making a statement at Wednesday's meeting.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article