CONGRATULATIONS to Councillor Simon Henig for being elected as leader of the Labour Group on Durham County Council (Echo, May 12). As such, he is expected to be confirmed as the authority's new leader on Friday.
How convenient that the previous leader, Councillor Albert Nugent, and one other challenger, Councillor Alan Napier, were suspended from the Labour Party on the eve of the group leadership election for daring to hold their own opinions on an issue of national party politics, thus disqualifying them from standing.
One wonders what induced the only other previously declared challenger, Councillor Peter Brookes, to withdraw.
All praise is due to Councillor Jean Chaplow for her late challenge, probably having her card marked for her trouble, in her stand for traditional socialist values and common decency.
The authority leadership decision has still to be confirmed by the full county council, but I expect the Labour Group has enough support for it to be merely a formality.
I just hope the new leader is prepared to honour the policies for which Coun Nugent fought so hard, putting the needs and wishes of County Durham residents above party politics.
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