Stockton Council will be led by Labour with Tory mayor

No one party holds overall control at the authority – and despite election losses Labour remains the largest group with 24 of the 56 seats.

Cllr Bob Cook retained his position as council leader at Billingham Forum with his party keeping control of the cabinet and most committee leadership positions on the council on Wednesday morning (May 22).

Conservative Cllr Lynn Hall was chosen as ceremonial mayor of Stockton, following in the footsteps of her late father Lawrence Wild, who held the position in 1977/78.

The role will see her carry out visits and represent the council at events.

However, it will also put her in the driving seat during debates at full council meetings.

Cllr Cook signalled his intention to push on despite election losses and “extremely challenging circumstances” when it came to funding.

However, the Labour leader also revealed his intention to meet other party leaders on a “working group” before big decisions at full council and cabinet meetings.

Cllr Cook said: “Of course, we will maintain our long established practice of working collaboratively with other groups to ensure the decisions made will always be for the benefit of residents.

“While we can agree we have political differences, we have a proud heritage of working together to serve the people of the borough.”

There was some dissent from Conservative group leader Cllr Matt Vickers ahead of Cllr Cook’s appointment.

The opposition leader had complained about the Tories being “frozen out” from committee positions before the meeting – and he told the chamber people had voted to take control away from Labour.

Cllr Vickers added: “In the south of the borough the party has just three councillors.

“I saw a quote attributed to Cllr Cook said he and his team would be the ruling executive – this isn’t Game of Thrones, councils do not rule over people.

“They have the huge privilege of being elected to serve them and I believe on the back of the election, the council should be putting the people of the borough before party politics.

“They should be appointing cabinet members based on ability and experience rather than political allegiances.

“While Cllr Cook is a thoroughly nice chap, I feel a responsibility to vote against Labour’s continued control.”

Deputy council leader Cllr Jim Beall hit back – saying the council had been well led over the years and had provided “excellent services”.

The Labour stalwart added: “There was a clear message sent to the established parties – probably related to something which was not local. I can’t bring myself to say the word but I think we know what I’m talking about.

“In this place we’re left with a hung council – and the largest group is the Labour group.

“There are other sensible people at this council who say they want to support this continuity.”

Cllr Beall said there would be a need for “greater consultation” with other groups through the forward plan group and having an “open door” to suggestions.

Meanwhile, there were a couple of shifts in the Labour cabinet with Cllr Lisa Grainge taking the role as lead member for Children and Young People, Cllr Ann McCoy moving to adult social care and health, and Cllr Beall now overseeing culture and leisure.

Labour swept up most of the committee leadership roles despite some opposition from the Thornaby Independent Association (TIA).

Apart from the position of council leader, the Conservatives did not contest any of the top committee positions.

They were:

People select committee: Chairwoman Cllr Jean O’Donnell (Lab)

Audit and governance committee: Chairman Cllr Barry Woodhouse (Lab)

Executive scrutiny committee: Cllr Sylvia Walmsley (TIA) (Cllr Vickers withdrew)

Adult social care and health select committee: Cllr Evaline Cunningham (Lab)

Children and young people select committee: Cllr Carol Clark (Lab)

Crime and disorder select committee: Cllr Paul Weston (Lab)

Place select committee: Cllr Chris Barlow (Lab)

Planning committee: Cllr Norma Stephenson (Lab)

General licensing committee: Cllr Paul Kirton (Lab)

Statutory licensing committee: Cllr Paul Kirton (Lab)

Employee appeals panel: Cllr Norma Stephenson (Lab)

Appeals and complaints committee: Cllr Evaline Cunningham (Lab)

Meanwhile, Labour’s Cllr Mohammed Javed was elected deputy mayor – the first Asian man to hold the position in the borough.