A LOCAL authority's bid to improve after a critical report has been given a boost after a new style of leadership was voted in unanimously.

In a comprehensive performance assessment report, Teesdale District Council was given a rating of poor and criticised for its weak political and managerial leadership.

The council, which has no overall political majority, has not had a leader since Councillor Phil Hughes was elected to the role in 2003. He resigned four months later blaming lack of support from members.

The council agreed to experiment with a style of leadership whereby the chairman and deputy chairman of the executive corporate strategy committee would become, ex officio, the leader and deputy leader of the council. It was agreed the positions would be allocated to the leaders of the two largest political groups.

Yesterday, at the annual meeting, Coun Ken Robinson, of the Labour group which has nine members on the council, was elected leader. Coun Richard Betton of the Teesdale Independents which has 13 members, was made deputy leader.

Council chairman Madeleine Walton said: "I feel that it's a great day for Teesdale District Council and I hope we can continue in the spirit of working together. It's a definite plus."