A SENIOR councillor has described a colleague's claims that she lost the chance to be mayor because of opposition to a regeneration scheme as "laughable".

Eston Independent and deputy mayor councillor Ann Higgins has criticised Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's regeneration plan for the Eston and South Bank area, calling on the council to "govern not dictate".

But Councillor Chris Abbott, the council's cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood renewal, said: "I feel sorry for Ann if that is what she believes.

"And it is laughable to claim that because she's against the proposal, that's why she won't be our new mayor.''

Councillor Peter Spencer who will be confirmed as Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland today after being chosen only last week.

He said: "It has been a bit of a shock to the system, but it is a great honour and I will enjoy serving the borough to the best of my ability."

Coun Higgins was dropped as the coalition's choice following a confusing split among the Independents and the belief that she had been elected group leader.

Her colleague, Loftus ward councillor Mary Lanigan, is new leader of the Independent group.

Coun Higgins believes her concerns about a new district shopping centre in the regeneration plan are the real reason why she was dropped as mayoral candidate.

Coun Abbott said: "The coalition agreement is that members are free to vote however they like on matters concerning their own wards.

"She voted against the council's budget in April.

"Yet she is still a member of the ruling coalition."

He said of the regeneration plan: "We have a fantastic opportunity to change people's lives for the better.

"Efforts have failed in the past - millions of pounds have been poured into the area and we have never seen improvements.

"But we believe this is the right way forward and we are determined to deliver that promise."