DURHAM City Council's first Liberal Democrat administration has announced its cabinet.

Sue Pitts, who led the party to a landslide election victory over Labour, will continue as leader and her deputy will be Durham University lecturer Grenville Holland.

Councillor Holland, who represents Crossgate and Framwelgate ward, will also hold the portfolio for policy, leisure and planning.

Coun Bob Wynn, also Crossgate and Framwelgate, will be responsible for economic development and tourism.

The other five members, all "new boys", are Couns Denis Jackson (Brancepeth, Langley Moor and Meadowfield), corporate affairs and procurement; Fraser Reynolds (Bearpark and Witton Gilbert), environment and community development; Angela Rae (St Nicholas), human resources; Dennis Southwell (Carrville and Gilesgate Moor), housing; and Carol Woods (Shadforth and Sherburn), finance.

Coun Pitts (Elvet), who has been on the council since 1983, said: "My team and I are committed to making Durham a well-run city. We have a strong, competent team to run Durham."

Labour and the Independents will be given a cabinet seat each.

Coun Woods said: "It fits in with our philosophy of being democratic."

She said the descriptions of the cabinet portfolios had been changed from Labour's days to reflect the party's priorities and to cover perceived gaps.

Coun Woods said that although many members were new to the council they had a wide range of experience from their working lives.

Ray Gibbon, long-serving councillor for Bearpark and Witton Gibbon, is set to succeed Labour's Eileen Rochford as mayor.

The Deputy Mayor will be Mary Hawgood, councillor for Crossgate and Framwelgate.

The Lib Dems, who ended Labour's 20-year reign in the city, will formally take power tomorrow.