THE leader of Derwentside District Council has retained control of his party after a rough ride in the recent elections.

Councillor Alex Watson received unanimous support from Labour Party members and will remain at the helm of the authority.

He is now entering his 17th year as leader of the council, despite heavy losses at last week's elections.

Coun Watson, who earlier this year received an OBE for service to local government, said: "I am very pleased I have got in unanimously, and no one has opposed me.

"It is good to have the confidence of the Labour group and know they are 100 per cent supportive."

Labour, which has run the council since its inception 1974, only just clung to power in the elections.

It lost nine seats, leaving it with a majority of three.

The council is now made up 29 Labour councillors, two Liberal Democrats and 24 independents.

Coun Watson said: "To a certain extent, it was a bit of a surprise because there has been some opposition.

"These have been tough times. There have been challenges in the past, and we have lost seats.

"But it is a tremendous honour to have the group supporting me in a leadership role."

Coun Watson blamed the unpopular Iraq war for a national downturn in Labour's popularity.

But he said local issues beyond his control had damaged the success of local councillors, including his own.

He said: "I was against the lap-dancing club that has been given the go-ahead, and it goes against us, but the council had no choice.

"Also the bowling club wanted to have a national standard bowling area at the new sports centre, but we just cannot make that sort of provision."

Councillor Michael Malone, who represents Blackhill, retained his position as deputy leader of the Labour group.

The chairman is now Councillor Joe Wilson, who represents Tanfield Lea, replacing Tony Donaghy, formerly of Consett North.

Junior whip Denise Bennett, Burnhope, has become chief whip and replaced former Quaking Houses councillor Liz Coulson.

Coun Watson said: "There have been some changes and we do have to share power around the district."