THE Tory party has unveiled the candidate it hopes will replace a controversial North-East mayor at the centre of child porn allegations.

Chris Morgan, North Tyneside's first directly-elected mayor, stepped down from the role last month.

The decision followed his arrest by police on suspicion of possessing indecent pictures of children on his computer. He was also arrested earlier this year after allegations that he indecently assaulted a 15-year-old girl.

Detectives released him on police bail and, so far, have not brought any charges against him.

The former chartered accountant, who lives with his wife, Nikki, in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, denies all the allegations and resigned from his £50,000-a-year post to concentrate on clearing his name.

His election in May last year was hailed as a victory for the Conservative Party in what is traditionally a Labour stronghold.

The Tories last night unveiled Linda Arkley as their candidate for the mayoral by-election, to be held on June 12.

She said: "I want the opportunity to represent the residents of North Tyneside so we can continue to ensure financial stability for the borough, maintain strong links with our area committees and listen to local residents.

"I will be a mayor for the people of North Tyneside and devote all my time and energy to working on behalf of the borough."