THE Labour Party on a Teesside council has appointed a new deputy leader following the resignation of a senior councillor.
The previous deputy leader of Redcar and Cleveland Labour group, Councillor Keith Pudney, resigned from the party over the Iraq war.
On Saturday, former mayor Vilma Collins was given the job at a party meeting.
Labour group leader Councillor George Dunning said: "Vilma is not only a renowned and respected local politician on Redcar and Cleveland Council but is well thought of throughout the region."
Coun Pudney said he had become increasingly disillusioned with Tony Blair's leadership and opposed the war in Iraq. He will serve as an independent.
The Labour group remains the largest single party on the council but is in opposition. The authority is ruled by a coalition of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and independents.
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