A BITTER political row has broken out over who should be the next mayor of Durham.

Traditionally, the city’s annual mayor-making ceremony witnesses the formality of the deputy mayor succeeding to the top job.

However, Labour is ready to break with tradition, reject Amanda Hopgood and nominate the new chairman of Durham County Council, Pauline Charlton.

Labour chiefs say having one person fill both roles would save hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money.

But Liberal Democrats are furious, accusing Labour of politicising the 400-year-old post.

Councillor Hopgood, who was recently elected Lib Dem leader, also questioned how Coun Charlton could properly represent Durham when her Evenwood ward is 15 miles away and how one person could attend the approximately 800 engagements expected of the mayor and council chairman each year.

A stormy meeting of Durham’s charter trustees, who choose the new mayor, today (Wednesday, May 22) ended without cross-party agreement.

The public and press were excluded from the talks.

However, afterwards Labour’s Mac Williams said there was no question of secrecy because an “informal discussion” had been agreed earlier this month.

Labour’s proposal provided an opportunity to reduce costs and ensure the great traditions and good work of both roles could continue, he said.

Labour is expected to win the political battle, having seized control of the charter trustees from the Lib Dems following a landslide victory in this month’s local elections.

The vote for the new mayor will be held at the mayor-making ceremony in Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, June 11. Coun Hopgood will chair the meeting, as John Wilkinson is unable to complete his year as mayor, having lost his council seat in the elections. 

The spat comes after Labour was criticised for a so-called clothing allowance of up to £12,860 paid to the council chairman and vice-chairman, which was dubbed the “Geordie Armani” by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Council chiefs insist it is a civic allowance.

Jan Blakey was today nominated unopposed as the next deputy mayor.

However, by tradition John Robinson, the new council vice-chairman, would become next year’s chairman – putting him in pole position to also become mayor.

Coun Robinson represents Sedgefield, which is 13 miles from Durham City.