After gaining the most seats (26) in the recent election, the Lib Dems will be forming a minority Administration following a working agreement with the 17-strong Labour Group.

And Jeff Reid, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, will be proposed as Leader of the new Council at the Annual General Meeting of Northumberland County Council on May 21.

He represents the Blyth Valley Plessey ward and was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Blyth Valley Council.

Roger Styring, who represents the Lesbury ward, will be proposed as Deputy Leader. He was previously Leader of Alnwick District Council.

The six portfolio holders to be nominated are Simon Reed (Children's Services), Jim Smith (Environment and Regeneration), Alan Thompson (Highways and Operations), Isabel Hunter (Health and Well-Being), Lesley Rickerby (Community Services) and Andrew Tebbutt (Corporate Services).

The group is currently considering further nominations for Assistant Portfolio Holders, Committee places and appointments to outside bodies.

Coun Reid said: "There is one driving priority over the next 12 months and that is to get transition from the existing County Council and six District Councils into one new Unitary authority in place so that services are maintained from April 1, 2009.

"We are looking to all the other Parties to co-operate as much as is possible to achieve that objective. We are pleased with the realism being expressed so far."

Chairmanships and Vice Chairmanships of the three main Scrutiny Committees will be offered to the Opposition Parties together with a fair share of outside body appointments.