Borough Leader Peter Jackson and Executive Member for Communities Glen Sanderson have been named Leader and Deputy respectively of the County's Conservative group.

The appointments will see the councillors play a prominent role in Northumberland's new unitary council, though it has not yet been decided whether they will work as part of a coalition or in opposition.

The Conservatives have also revealed that they have stolen a march on their Labour counterparts by bolstering their group with two Independents.

The two Parties had been tied on 17 seats each in the new council, with seven Independents and the Liberal Democrats taking the lion's share with 26 seats.

However, the Tories have strengthened their position and effectively pushed Labour into third place by welcoming Independents Gordon Castle, of Alnwick, and Jeff Watson, of Amble West with Warkworth, to their fold.

New Group Leader Coun Jackson was happy with the deal.

"The Conservatives are delighted to increase their share of the vote across Northumberland and with the increase in the number of councillors on Northumberland Council to 19 out of a total of 67," he said.

"The group will work to fulfil its election promises as soon as possible.

"Our priorities include keeping the council tax rises below the rate of inflation, promising better maintenance of roads and pavements, scrapping unfair charges for transport for post 16 students and fighting against any threats to our post offices and other rural services, raising funding by getting rid of the 27 'belonging community' quangos that have received so little support.

"We will urge the new Council to move on these issues without delay.

"Our experience of running successful councils in Northumberland does give the group an insight into the need for a clear leadership and direction on the new council.

"It is vitally important that key services are maintained for all residents in Northumberland over the coming period of change from seven councils down to one super council."

A Conservative and Independent group also existed on the previous Northumberland County Council.

Coun Castle said the decision to join the new alliance was to ensure the people of his division have a strong voice on the authority.

"Committee places are allocated to groups in proportion to their size and the only way to get onto the most influential committees is to join a large group, otherwise you tend to pick up the crumbs," he said.

"The Conservative and Independent Group has always welcomed Independents and does not impose any conditions or Party whip.

"Groups are not the same as political parties — we speak and vote as we see fit."

Coun Watson added: "We have to do what will enable us to represent our wards most effectively and the only way onto the important committees is through the main groups.

"That is how the system works whether we like it or not.

"We are still independent and no political party has any hold over us."
The Conservative and Independent Group for the new council held its annual meeting on Wednesday.