The new unitaries of Durham and Northumberland have chosen the councillors who will lead the shadow authorities over coming months. Durham's Labour group leader, Simon Henig, was confirmed as leader of the new authority at an annual council meeting last week. A 10-strong cabinet was also agreed and picked at the meeting. Cllr Henig also paid tribute to his immediate predecessor, Cllr Albert Nugent. ‘Cllr Nugent led the council through very difficult and challenging circumstances, and placed great emphasis on bringing the district and county councils together to work in a spirit of co-operation,' said Cllr Henig. Northumberland CC's deputy chief executive, Jill Dixon, has now become acting chief executive of the authority. Jeff Reid has been named as the leader of Northumberland CC in a new administration formed by the Liberal Democrats. ‘The new council must be moulded into shape by its new members,' said Cllr Reid. ‘This is the greatest opportunity we are likely to get in our political lives to deliver change,' he added.
