POLITICAL pillow talk will be off the agenda for one couple next spring.

In May, Tony and Sue Richmond, who married in February, will each stand for election as councillors in Darlington.

However, Mr Richmond is leader of the Conservative group, in Darlington - and his wife is a member of the Labour party.

Mrs Richmond, 47, said: "Come the elections in May, and when we are sitting across the breakfast table, I imagine we will be talking about what we are having for tea, like anyone else. We will definitely not be talking about local politics."

When asked if he would be wishing his wife success, Mr Richmond, 66, said: "Myself and my colleagues will be working hard to win as many seats as possible and to defeat as many Labour candidates as possible.

"My objective will be to regain control of Darlington Borough Council."

Mr Richmond, a mechanical engineer, has been a Conservative councillor in Darlington since 1976. He represents the College ward and is a former Mayor of Darlington.

Mrs Richmond, a life-long Labour party supporter, has worked in Darlington for 25 years and is originally from Hartlepool.

She will be standing for election in the North Road ward.

Mr Richmond said: "I am sure we could handle facing each other across the debating chamber."

Mrs Richmond added: "We respect each others political beliefs, even if it is the one thing we can't agree upon."