Council contest set to conclude today

BATTLE FOR LEADERSHIP OF SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL

The political contest to choose the leader of Sunderland City Council is expected to conclude this afternoon.

Members of the council’s ruling Labour Party will meet to confirm who will hold the reins following Thursday’s local elections.

Current leader Harry Trueman is vying to keep control of the council he has led since stepping into the shoes of late leader Paul Watson, who died in November after almost a decade in the top job.

However, he faces competition from Coun Graeme Miller, cabinet member for health housing and adult services.

Coun Trueman denied that Thursday’s results in the local elections, which saw his party end the day with five fewer councillors than it started, had left him politically vulnerable.

He added: “I’ve never really been one to promise people anything, what my opposing person promises is down to them, but I’ve got in my mind who I think will make good cabinet members.”

After today’s election to decide the leader and deputy leader of the council, the winner of the contest will invite fellow councillors to become cabinet members.

This process should be finalised by midweek, after which any council members without a position can apply to become chairs of the council’s various panels and committees.

Coun Graeme Miller said: “I threw my hat in the ring weeks ago, but until it’s done I won’t speak about it.

“It wouldn’t be right to talk about internal party matters until it’s done.”